At the door of what first seems to be a small local dress shop, unexpectedly lies a grand welcome and a warm greeting smile. Ms. Dorie Kong, life-long fashion designer, owner of L’mode Bridal in Tustin, and an Orange County native for more than a decade, receives her own guests into her store every day with enthusiasm and open arms. “I like to make my clients feel welcome,” states Kong, as she explains the secrets to her success in the fashion and beauty industry.

According to Kong, “It all started when I was ten.” Growing up in Malaysia, she states that maintaining the Chinese cultural tradition of giving and receiving luxurious fabrics for one’s birthday really inspired her to pursue a career in fashion design. Every year, when her father’s birthday rolled around, Dorie Kong would look forward to playing with the new fabric gifts. With an outstanding array of fabric colors and textures at her finger tips, “I took advantage of the opportunity and starting sewing,” says Kong. Even at a young age, there was no stopping her from achieving her goals, as she often stayed up all night to finish her clothing creations. With gusto, she adds, “I even made my own school uniform!” expressing her natural inclination for, and early dedication to fashion.

Since then, Dorie Kong has studied more techniques and design styles by attending international fashion conferences and other runway events. She’s visited various countries, including Italy, her favorite fashion capitol of the world. However, before she immigrated to the United States in the 1990s, Ms. Kong completed much of her studies, and started teaching at the Dress Making Institute in Malaysia. As a teacher, she emphasized the delicate nature of creating Bridal wear and other dressy fashions, while training the cosmetology students about beauty facials and hair techniques. “I used to teach them beauty,” she beams, adding that taking care of one’s physique often inspires one to gain more confidence and strength.

For many of the same reasons, Kong helps out in her community. “I love to help, especially in beauty pageants!” exclaims Kong, who has helped create evening gowns for many of the Miss Teen, Miss California, and Miss America contest winners, since 1996. This year, not only has she been busy making outfits for the Miss Tustin production, but she also has volunteered to provide formal dresses and modeling consultation for the STRUT Fashion Show, a Beckman High School fundraiser. With pride and joy, she states, “When a student wins, you feel accomplished.”

Similarly, Kong dedicates much of her talent and expertise to making wedding dresses. “They [clients] always invite me to their weddings!” exclaims Kong, and “when I see her [the bride] walking down the aisle in my dress, and the audience gives a positive reaction, I feel a sense of accomplishment.” As with much of her finished products, Kong admits that “the work speaks for itself,” serving as a testament to her success after twenty-four years of hard work.

So what is the big secret to Kong’s success in the fashion industry? To the dedicated fashion design or cosmetology student, Kong suggests that in addition to doing one’s homework, one must remain focused on one’s goals. As the wise fashion icon put it simply, “If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish any dream.”

Looking back on her own experience, Kong reflects that fashion design truly is a God-given, natural talent. “I thank God for taking me to America,” she grins, “because here I can do more. I can be somebody!”

Though she has already touched the lives of many customers, surely Kong will continue to leave a positive impact in her community. She already has captured the heart of this journalist. There is no doubt that she will warm many more hearts in the near future.

See more at: www.lmodebridal.com