This mom-daughter team said 'yes' to dress nonprofit

Somestories are proof that there is something special about the bonds women share. Working together, supporting each other and generously giving their input and expertise, there is nothing women can’t accomplish.

One such story is the motherdaughter duo of Misty and Emily Matson, co-owners of Bella Rose Bridal in Duluth. They are this year’s recipients of The Woman Today’s Mentor Award, given to a woman (or, in this case, women) who has acted as a trusted adviser to those around her.

Coincidentally, the Matsons were nominated for the award by another mother-daughter set, Amy and Ashleigh Arntson. Ashleigh explained the connection.

“In the fall of 2015, I walked into Bella Rose Bridal,” she said. “I was a senior at Esko High School, and I had this idea of collecting used prom dresses and redistributing them to teens in need in our community. I knew that, to be successful, I needed a place or business that would accept dress donations on my behalf. I asked other businesses, and was told no on more than one occasion.

“I still remember the feeling in my stomach when I walked into Bella Rose Bridal. Store owners, and motherdaughter duo, Misty and Emily, likely sensed my nervousness and listened to my pitch. Without hesitation, they agreed. Little did I realize, that was the start of an amazing relationship.”

Misty and Emily Matson Mentor Award

If the Dress Fits

Shortly after they agreed to offer up their shop as a dress donation location, Misty and Emily volunteered the use of their store for the actual event. They thought the teens would enjoy having an actual store, with professional lighting and 3-way mirrors, to try on their dresses. The women offered the teens advice on different styles, and how each dress could be altered for a better fit.

By the fall of 2016, this little enterprise for redistributing prom dresses eventually became a legitimate nonprofit organization, known as If the Dress Fits. Today, Emily and Misty both serve on its Board of Directors, in addition to continuing to accept dress donations and host the event.

“When Ashleigh approached me, I knew I couldn’t say no. I didn’t want to say no,” Misty said. “It is so fun to see how happy these young ladies are to find a dress, when they might not get to attend prom otherwise. They and their families sometimes drive an hour out of their way to attend. I know the girls, as well as their moms, dads, aunts and sisters, are all very grateful, and it’s just so satisfying.”

Bella Rose Bridal

Bella Rose Bridal has been open for 3½ years. After a professional career at Essentia Health spanning 26 years, Misty wanted to go into business for herself. The idea for a bridal shop was born.

“I find the bridal industry to be a very uplifting type of business,” Misty said. “I saw that a bridal shop in town had recently closed, and there was a need. So, I began talking to designers and looking for a space.”

Ultimately, Misty chose to sell not just wedding dresses and accessories, but prom, mother of the bride/groom, bridesmaid, and flower girl dresses.

And there was no one she would rather join forces with than her daughter, Emily. “I had no hesitation in asking Emily to join me,” Misty said. “We communicate well and are very close.”

Besides their work with If the Dress Fits, the Matsons are also very supportive of local veterans. Misty’s dad (Emily’s grandfather) is a veteran, and Misty’s son Eric serves in the Minnesota National Guard.

“I really have a heart for the military,” Misty said. “Bella Rose Bridal offers a discount if the bride or groom are active, guard or reserve members.”

Off the job

As for any entrepreneur, life is busy for the Matsons. Emily juggles her full-time work at the shop with being a marketing student at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Misty and her husband, Lee, make their home in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. In her time off, Misty enjoys reading, knitting, planting flowers and spending time with her infant granddaughter.

Grateful for the guidance and support

Ashleigh and Amy Arntson are so grateful for the Matson’s support and mentorship in establishing If The Dress Fits. “To this day,” Ashleigh said, “Misty and Emily continue to be our compass for all of our dress-related questions and needs.

“There is no doubt that the success of If The Dress Fits is contributed to their mentoring. I started this process as a high school student who wanted to make a difference. I am continuing this journey with an amazing Board of Directors and with two of the best mentors that one could possibly have.” D