FOUNDER + CEO

LIZ SPENCER

I’m Liz, the owner and creative mind behind Bridal by SHL, an inclusive wedding gown boutique located in Kearney, Missouri.

I’ve always considered myself a creative person, and have had a love for art since I was little. I was constantly doodling dresses and fun outfits. When it came time to figure out what I wanted to study in college, apparel design was something that piqued my interest. Although I didn’t start sewing until I was in college, once I started, I was HOOKED. After college with an Apparel Design Degree in hand, I moved back to my hometown of Kansas City. 

In 2017 I competed in Omaha Fashion Week twice, and I started working as an assistant manager for a local apparel retailer. In 2019, my grandpa passed away unexpectedly, and boy did that loss hit me hard. After that, I decided that life was just too damn short, and I needed to be sewing and making my art regularly. I quit my job, and I got to work on creating what I wanted SHL to become.

In 2020, I started an alterations shop, and I didn’t say no to anything. I realized quickly that I loved working with wedding gowns and my wedding clients. In 2022, I decided I wanted to start selling wedding gowns, and if that was the case, then I would need a bigger shop. We moved from our 800 square foot storefront, to our current space in the fall of 2022, and I now have a team of incredible women who help me run SHL.

Another *important* thing about me is that my right arm is paralyzed from a birth injury. I’ve never known any different, and I’ve never let it stop me from chasing whatever dreams I had. That being said, there are a lot of different things I’ve struggled with having a differently abled body, and body image is at the top of that list. I think women in general have had a hell of a time finding their own bodies represented in the media, let alone someone who has a disability. My goal is to help anyone who comes through my door at SHL feel not only comfortable in a gown they wear on their wedding day, but also; confident, sexy, radiant, beautiful. No matter your background, size, shape, color, preferences, YOU are welcome here. Take up the damn space. Because we’ve been hidden, and kept in the background for far too long, and I’m here to help you have the wedding day look you want and deserve. Whatever that means for you. 🤍

Whether you are wanting to shop with us, create a custom look with us, or just want to chat over coffee sometime, I cannot wait to meet you. I’m so glad you found us.