PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
She said “YES!” to starting a business!

After years of making a hobby out of the wedding industry, Mackenzie Kijowski, is now making it a career. On July 15 of this year Mackenzie opened the doors to her very own bridal shop, MK Bridal and Special Occasions, after seizing a business opportunity she just couldn’t pass up.

“The SBDC has helped me accomplish my business goals of owning a business and pointing me in the direction of where I need to be.”

It all started when Bridal Reflections, a successful bridal shop in Kittanning, closed its doors in 2019. The business was bought, renamed, and relocated to Johnstown. When Mackenzie heard they were closing down the Johnstown location she quickly got in touch with the owner. They wrote up a sales contract, and she brought the business back home to Kittanning. During the initial stages of planning her business venture, Mackenzie turned to the county for guidance. It was through this network that she discovered the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Upon contacting the PennWest Clarion SBDC she was connected with Business Consultant Jason Strohm.

While her determination was unwavering, with Jason’s expert advice, Mackenzie was able to develop a solid business plan with three years of financial projections, and gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved with running a retail store. Financial support was crucial. Elderton State Bank was able to provide Mackenzie with a $40,000 loan for inventory purchases and a $40,000 line of credit. As Mackenzie’s vision started to take shape, she recalls, “learning patience and proper budgeting as things progressed has helped me tremendously.”

Mackenzie recalled, “An outpouring of support came from every direction. Everyone appreciates the bridal shop being brought back to Kittanning.”

Mackenzie’s journey from a dream to a thriving business is a testament to her determination, the support of her community, and the guidance provided by the Small Business Development Center. With a strong vision, financial support, and the expert advice of Jason Strohm, MK Bridal and Special Occasions is not only a success story but a shining light, illuminating the bright future of Kittanning.