Meet Teal Dempsey | Owner of Wild Emerald Bridal

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

Hi Teal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to create something that I was passionate about and that truly represented me. I had worked for several other people and while they were wonderful their business represented them, rightfully so. I always felt a little boxed in and I just really wanted an opportunity to show what I could do on my own. I wanted to see what kind of environment I could grow for myself and a team. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and have the confidence to walk into a room or business setting and know I was worthy of being there. From a personal life stand point, I knew the flexibility would allow me to be a better wife and a better mom and to spend more time with the ones that mean the most to me. It’s very important for me that I’m present to make memories with my kids and be there to support what’s important to them and having my own business allows that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the most asked questions I get is how I came up with the name Wild Emerald for my business. I have always been a wandering soul. I like to be outdoors and surrounded by nature. I crave adventure and fight against routine. I wanted something that felt organic and genuine to that. I guess you could say I’ve always had a bit of wild in me. My favorite poet is Atticus and there is a line from one of his poems that says, “love her, but leave her wild.” I feel that quote in such a large way and am so thankful that I have a husband who loves me and allows me to follow my dreams. Emerald is my birth stone. I have an emerald ring from my grandma that I wear frequently. She always encouraged my dreams and it felt like a way to honor her and represent me as well as kept that organic feel. Hence, Wild Emerald was born. I also wanted a name that could be brand able. I felt like I could really create a brand with this name that not only represented me but that others could relate to and feel a part of as well. My team and I specialize in naturally enhanced and soft glam makeup looks as well as organic, wispy, dreamy hairstyles. When brides say, “Wow, I still look like me but the most beautiful version of myself,” that’s when we know we succeeded. We strive to show women that they are already beautiful by enhancing their unique to them features vs making them feel that they need makeup to completely change how they look to be beautiful. We want them to embrace the nose from their dad that maybe they don’t love because it makes them who they are, it makes them beautiful. We want to show them that the freckles they try and hide are gorgeous and should be celebrated. We want to help them see that they are special and beautiful and perfect just the way they are.

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?
If you are going to spend a day on West Michigan you definitely want it to be between June-September. In my opinion it’s the best time of the year. I grew up in a small beach town called, Grand Haven, so if it’s not warm enough to go to the beach then I don’t want to be there, haha. There are many fun places to explore in West Michigan but I am going to focus on Grand Haven since I grew there.

Places to eat:
• Noto’s at the Bil-Mar has the best frosé! Their food is always delicious and they have an outdoor area where you can get some drinks and sit with your toes in the sand while you watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. It’s magical!
• K2 Pizzeria is a rooftop bar on the corner of the downtown strip. It’s a great space to feel the breeze and look out over the river and town. Their drinks and pizza are fantastic! They have billiards tables inside as well if you’re looking for a chill place to hang out.
• Butch’s Beach Burritos is an iconic Grand Haven place. The line on opening day every year speaks for itself. The perfect place to grab a snack before you hit the beach.
• Taco Jalisco is the best Mexican food in town. Great service, great food, great margaritas!

Places to explore:
• Grand Haven State Park Beach
• Rosy Mound Natural Area
• Downtown Strip
• Escanaba Park
• Hofma Park
• Grand Haven Pier and Lighthouse
• Grand Haven Musical Fountain

Places to shop:
• Surf Shop
• Down to Earth
• Earth’s Edge
• Lee & Birch
• Glik’s

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Jayce, is my biggest source of support and encouragement. When I feel doubt he quiets it. My kids were a big “why” reason for me. They are teaching me that time goes so quickly and sometimes I need to slow down or be more flexible. There are many others I have had an opportunity to work with such as bosses, fellow vendors, the stylists on my team and each and every one of my brides that trusts me to show them their beauty on their wedding day that have impacted me and helped me to grow not only as a business but as a person. I am thankful for them all!

Website: wildemeraldbridal.com

Instagram: @wild.emerald.bridal

Facebook: Wild Emerald Bridal

Image Credits
Kenzie Irene Photography Laura Shepherd Images Sun & Soul Photo Lucia Wallace Photo Miryssa Lynne Photography Candids by Hailey Ink & Opal Mae Photo Co. Bailey Morgan Photography