Meet Alisha Hendricks | Bridal Concierge // Custom Bridal Designer // Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Hendricks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say the most important factor behind the success of my small businesses, as well as my other creative pursuits is listening. However, listening is a multifaceted process. It’s not always about what they say, more so about why they’re saying it. You must listen to your client and then comprehend what they are needing on an emotional level, and then take it one step further, to expand on their needs in a unique and creative way.

That is the piece I feel really allows my clients to connect with me and truly feel the service that I provide to them. Whether that is as a Bridal Concierge, which is my main occupation, as a Custom Bridal Designer, which is my next area of pursuit, or even as an actress. Listening, understanding, and expanding on a feeling or concept enables the person you’re interacting with to emotionally connect with you. This develops a trust in your ability to see things from their point of view, and do what they hired you for – which is to take that trust they have placed in you and care for their overall experience from beginning to end.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What’s unique about my service as a Bridal Concierge is that I’m not just there to do a job, I really act as an emotional tuning fork for the room. Part of what my brides and clients appreciate about what I do is not just the professionalism, or emergency skill set, but it is the feeling and calming presence provided. There is a very quick intimacy that must be achieved on such an emotional day for people. Sometimes when you’re in that heightened emotional state, it is easier to turn to and lean on someone who isn’t part of your normal circle. That feeling is been backed up of course, by the unique skill set of fixes, as well as the understanding of how wedding day flows and works. I work closely with the lead planner to keep the day moving and relay anything that the bride or bridal party needs to feel happy, seen, or catered to. I’m very proud of that ability. I feel so fulfilled at the end of the night when I say my goodbyes and the client says “I couldn’t have done it without you- you can’t leave!”, or “you made my day feel so special and heightened because I was always relaxed, calm, and present in the important moments”.

I very much take this same approach with my design clients! Custom design technically could be a nightmare- however, I’m happy to report my clients understand and respect the intimacy of the creative process. It is just that- an intimate experience to make you feel and look the most uniquely you on your big day! Having to reschedule my own wedding during Covid and knowing I did not want to be a “traditional bride” in a lot of ways really expanded my outlook on what a wedding and the wedding outfit could be. I’ve been lucky to be involved in so many different wedding events- different people, cultures, styles, and traditions- it really became apparent that taking what speaks to you to honor yourself and the love you share for your significant other, family and friends can be anything you want it to be!

We decided to elope and celebrate with a formal family wedding at a later time. For our elopement, we went all out creating a unique vibe that fit just us. I made my two gowns, one red velvet and one black, and planned the whole day, the decor, and the nods to what represented our relationship with no concern about doing it the “right” way. It was the right way for us- as will be our formal wedding reception as well. That experience really informed what I hoped to provide to other brides and people getting married as well! I’ve never felt as beautiful, sexy, confident, and just me as I was in my red velvet gown, Star halo on my head, saying my G.O.T /The Witcher inspired vows, pulling my ring from a box of D&D dice. I’ve really learned the best thing to do on one of the most important days of your life – is to be just as you are in every other day of your life just elevated!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a huge Disneyland fan, so Downtown Disney is a must at the very least for a trip to La. There is a restaurant there that offers insanely delicious dairy free shakes with special desserts piled on top.

Speaking of food- I have two hidden gems in Alhambra! If you like burgers and heavy metal, you must visit “Grill ‘Em All” a themed craft burger joint that will 100% fill you up with a giant burger cooked to perfection. If you’re looking for something international, go up the street to “Mahan Indian Cuisine” for the best authentic Indian food I’ve found here! Anil, the owner will make you feel so welcome and if you’re like me, you’ll go back for more and more until your basically part of the family.

Then you could head over to Echo Park for coffee and a quick unique tattoo at “Supersweet Tattoo” followed by vintage record and thrift shopping.

If you’re just looking for an amazing coffee brunch without body art, head to downtown Monrovia and grab yourself a hot “James Brown” latte and a “Monroe” sandwich from “Grey and Cash”. If you’re a touch nerdy, walk up the street a touch to visit the flagship Warhammer store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Putting yourself out there, especially in pursuit of any sort of creative career takes a lot of courage, confidence, as well as support! I could not have reached where I am without the support and community that I am lucky enough to have built around me. When I first decided to start my business as a bridal concierge, I reached out to some of my favorite wedding planners I had worked with previously to discuss the possibilities. Taylor Waxman of KED & Co was instrumental in encouraging me to take the risk and go out there on my own. As far as my custom bridal business “A Spontaneous Rhythm“ , Sara Rothan – a world class Seamstress and designer who also owns “Petals by QueSara”- has been my biggest cheerleader and mentor . I’ve also been tremendously supported by my husband Chris and dear friends Mariah and Claire in everything I do. As an actor as well, my teacher of many years, Don Bloomfield has expanded my knowledge and understanding of interpersonal relationships and communication skills which has been integral in all of my career pursuits and connections.

Website: Plus2creative.com

Instagram: @alishalhendricks

Other: Bridal Concierge and Event Coordinating: Www.plus2creative.com Insta: @plus2creative TikTok: @alishahendricks Custom Bridal Design: A Spontaneous Rhythm Insta: @aspontaneousrhythm DM for Inquiries TikTok: @alishahendricks Acting/Personal: Insta: @alishalhendricks TikTok: @alishhendricks

Image Credits
Headshot by Leah Huebner // Huebner Headshots Zipping bride by Alexa Lei // Avenue Amo – model wearing “A Spontaneous Rhythm “ custom gown Red and black gown shots by Anahata Kali // Anahata Kali Photo Myself via my elopement wearing “A Spontaneous Rhythm “ custom gown