Exploring Life & Business with Sacha Knoll

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sacha Knoll.

Hi Sacha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, my name is Sacha Knoll, I’m a 24-year-old entrepreneur, model and owner of a gown rental business. The best part about my story is that I started my business, Traveling Gowns, all by fate. I’ve always wanted to be my boss since I knew that a 9 to 5 job wasn’t what I wanted out of life. I had been working as a freelance model for over two years when I launched Traveling Gowns. Although I enjoyed modeling in photo shoots with a variety of styles and concepts, I was always drawn to the ones featuring incredible creativity and, in particular, gorgeous gowns.

I knew I wanted to start a gown rental business because I wanted to offer gowns that made women feel absolutely beautiful in them and also have them affordable. I had considered opening a gown rental business months before I did, but I had no idea where to begin or how to go about doing it. I purchased Traveling Gowns a few months later and rebranded it for my new clientele in Colorado, as it was formerly located in Texas.

I knew I wanted to offer a wide range of gowns, including simple gowns, maternity gowns, plus size gowns, and even custom-made gowns since I wanted to be the greatest destination in Colorado to discover affordable dresses to rent, with the largest and best inventory. I’ve been in business for about two years, and it’s been the most amazing journey. Along the road, I’ve met so many fantastic people, learned a ton about running a business, and discovered a lot about myself.

In addition to allowing me to express my creativity, Traveling Gowns has also made a lot of women feel beautiful in the gowns I offer. Traveling Gowns was a featured vendor for the latest Bridgerton Experience in Denver as well as published photos in magazines, being used for album covers and used to get eloped in. I provide these gowns to help women make the best memories for any occasion they need a gown for.

Traveling Gowns was a featured vendor for the latest Bridgerton Experience in Denver as well as having published photos in magazines, being used for album covers and used for couples to get eloped. I provide these gowns to help women make the best memories, feel empowered, and beautiful for any occasion they need a gown for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any business, getting to where I am now wasn’t always easy. I took a chance on myself, even though I knew nothing about operating a business. I have since learned a tremendous amount. My business’s biggest challenges have been with marketing, self-doubt, and work-life balance.

Due to the Instagram algorithm and the fact that Traveling Gowns initially relied heavily on word-of-mouth advertising, marketing has been a learning curve for me. I’ve also had to figure out how to represent and market my company to my ideal clients. I now invest time in learning how to post more effectively, gain visibility from bigger events like the Bridgerton Experience, and partner with other photographers to promote my business.

I spend a few hours a week planning out my posts in advance, keeping my website up to date, researching gowns to buy, and working on myself with affirmations and self-help books to aid with both my work-life balance and self-doubt. These give me a sense of confidence and help me realize why I started this company—to make other women feel beautiful in fun, elegant gowns!

We’ve been impressed with Traveling Gowns, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Traveling Gowns began with about 15 dresses in sizes 0-6 and merely an Instagram presence to reach my clients for dress rentals. Keeping in mind that I wanted to make these gowns accessible to a wide range of people, I rent out each gown for between $40 and $100 for a rental. Now, a little more than two years later, I have expanded my business to include over 30 dresses, including options in sizes 0–18 and maternity gowns, a detailed website, a Facebook page, listed on Google, and more than 2000 Instagram followers.

I want to be recognized in Colorado and the US as an affordable, size-inclusive gown rental business with a huge selection of dresses in every possible style for any occasion. Whether it’s a maternity shoot, engagement photos, or anything in between, I love to work with people to make their big or small moments beautiful.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love and recommend the You are a Badass book series, Rich as F*, UnF* Yourself and Everything is figure-out-able books. The I Am app is wonderful for daily affirmations as well as the Trello app for getting your daily tasks in order. Lightroom and Photoshop Fix for quick edits on photos. Alignable is a great resource to meet and network with other businesses around your area.

Also, podcasts are my go-to for any inspiration. I love Habits of a Goddess, Not Your Typical, Mindful in Minutes, Guide Me Glow, Glow Radio, and UnF* Your Brain.

Pricing:

• Maternity Robes- $60 for local rentals
• White Wedding style gowns- $100 for local rentals
• Tulle Maxi Gowns- $40 for local rentals
• Plus Size Celestial Gown- $70 for local rentals
• Grey Pearl Gown- $90 for local rentals

Contact Info:

• Website: www.travelinggowns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelinggowns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070622752238
• TikTok: @travelinggowns & Google: Traveling Gown Rentals

Image Credits
@sarahgrahamphoto, @ciaracgphotography, @cierraannmedia, and @savannahrosephotographyllc