Ace of Trades: Handpicking formal attire is a dream job for Carly Burdette-Goch
WEST LAYFAYETTE – She traveled a road she couldn’t foresee. But ended up in a very satisfying place.
“Growing up,” began Carly Burdette-Goch, “I was heavily involved with the 4-H program and loved animals. So initially, I wanted to pursue a career involving animals.
“I had planned to attend college,” she continued, “but my grandfather became terminally ill, and I chose to stay home to help care for him. After his death, my grandmother became ill, and I cared for her full time until her passing as well.
“I grew up living beside my grandparents,” she noted, “and although it may seem I gave up my education, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m beyond happy to be where I am today, even though this was not the original plan.”
Today, Burdette-Goch is manager of Universe Bridal & Prom in West Lafayette, a store with a reputation as the largest prom and bridal salon in and around Ohio. It stocks thousands of prom dresses and wedding gowns in more than 20,000 square feet.
“I never dreamed I would be running a high-end, nationally-known, formal boutique,” she said. “The crazy part is I’m on a first name basis with fashion designers and reps from coast to coast while living in small town West Lafayette. I get to handpick dresses we order from each company, and it’s exciting to see the customers try them on and love them.”
Burdette-Goch grew up in the Isleta area of West Lafayette and graduated from Newcomerstown High School.
“I started at Universe Bridal & Prom in 2014 much by mistake,” she remembered. “I was actually hired to help manage a restaurant the McKennas were opening as that’s what I was currently doing at another business. There were some hiccups with the opening and Teri, my boss, told me it was about to be busy season at the dress shop and that I could work there in the meantime. I never left. I loved it. I loved the beautiful gowns, the colors, the fabrics, the different styles.”
Burdette-Goch became the manager about two years ago.
“I’ve worked with Carly for the past several years and have seen her grow and evolve into the talented store manager she is today,” assessed Jan Myers, director of operations for Junction Enterprises, which includes Universe Bridal and Prom. “Universe Bridal and Prom is an extremely large and very busy store, and I truly enjoy working with Carly and appreciate how well she manages the store. I couldn't do this without her and our amazing team.”
“It can be slightly stressful during busy season from January to May,” Burdette-Goch responded, “but it is so rewarding. Most girls start shopping for prom at the first of the year. And the majority of ladies get engaged at Christmas, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day and are excited to get planning right away.
“Now, having 3-year-old and 1-year-old daughters,” she concluded, “I have a whole new appreciation for being able to participate in these milestone moments with girls and their families. Some girls I’ve helped starting in eighth grade and now I get to help them choose a bridal gown. Although at times it makes me feel old, I get to watch these girls grow up. It can be bittersweet, but I love my job and the customers. And I love my team of co-workers who make it all possible.”
Universe Bridal & Prom is located at 56310 US 36 in West Lafayette. For more information, call 740-545-5005 or log on www.universebridalandprom.com.
About the series
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Carly Burdette-Goch is the manager of Universe Bridal & Prom
