Meranda LeBlanc had the idea to open a wedding dress boutique in February 2025, and she didn’t waste any time getting started. “Do your research; come up with a plan,” she advises other entrepreneurs, as she used that time to map out the details including the business plan and the perfect space for her boutique.
For Meranda, Prairie & Lace is a contribution to her hometown. “I grew up here, raised my family here, and built my life here,” she says. Her roots in the community inspired her to fill a gap she saw; with the nearest bridal shop over 100 km away, local brides were left without convenient or affordable options. “If you’re from Hanna, Stettler, or Three Hills, maybe you don’t want to drive into the city, or spend $4,000 on your wedding dress.”
Determined to make bridal dreams more accessible, Meranda sought to overcome early challenges. When financing fell out of reach, she turned to Community Futures Big Country, whose belief in local entrepreneurs helped bring Prairie & Lace to life. Community Futures offers loans big and small to clients who have been turned away by traditional banks. They recognize the valuable role promising businesses like Meranda’s play in strengthening our communities.
Prairie & Lace offers something special: a one-on-one bridal experience that’s all about you. No rush, no pressure, just time to explore and find the dress that feels like you. “Take your time. Look through everything. Fall in love with what you love,” Meranda says.
The boutique’s cozy, private setting allows brides to relax and enjoy the moment free from comparison or crowds. Brides aren’t sizing themselves up against strangers across the room. Instead, they experience a welcoming atmosphere where they can feel beautiful, confident, and supported.
Though the space is small, the possibilities are not. With a curated selection of western and bohemian gowns, and the ability to special order almost anything, Prairie & Lace offers brides near-limitless options. Meranda’s advice? “Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey.”
Of course, building that kind of experience hasn’t come without challenges. Starting a business is rarely an easy process, and hers has been no exception. But with persistence, a clear vision, and the right support at the right time, she’s created something truly meaningful: an intimate, local alternative for one of life’s biggest moments.
