Confidence Finds a Perfect Fit at Jasper’s Studio 623

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

Kerrigan Garrison considered it a dream come true when she opened Studio 623 in downtown Jasper in August 2024.

Opening the formal wear store was a personal goal shaped by Kerrigan’s experiences in pageantry and her desire to help others feel their best.

“I started competing in pageants as a teenager,” she recalls. “But I realized pretty quickly that I loved being behind the scenes and helping other girls more than being on stage, so I wanted to really focus on that.”

That passion led her to work in dress shops, first at Proms N Promises in Haleyville and later at Cherry Tree Lane in Florence, which helped her realize her dream of owning her own store.

“I’ve always admired the women I worked for, like Susie Johnson at Proms N Promises and Kathryn Robinson at Cherry Tree Lane, who were such strong, confident role models,” Kerrigan shares. “Susie especially influenced me because she was sassy, confident, and always knew exactly what dress someone needed. She changed how I saw myself when I was a nervous teenager picking out my first pageant dress. I’ve never forgotten that.”

Eager to follow in the footsteps of her mentors, she purchased the former Haley House Formal Wear shop in Haleyville in 2023 and started transforming it into what would become Studio 623. Kerrigan’s youngest son’s birthday, June 23, inspired the name.

“I wanted something meaningful but modern,” she says. “Studio 623 just felt right.”

Inside the shop, Kerrigan has created a space where everyone, from first-time pageant contestants to prom-goers, can feel comfortable and excited about finding the perfect dress. She approaches each client with care and honesty, and she feels that her background in pageants and experience doing hair, makeup, and esthetics give her a unique perspective.

“When someone comes in, they usually have a rough idea of what they want,” she says. “I let them guide the process and then help them find something that fits their personality, body type, and even how they want to feel on that special day.”

Studio 623 carries gowns from signature brands like Amarra but also offers custom designs and jewelry for those looking for something one-of-a-kind. No matter what a client is searching for, her goal is to make them feel beautiful.

“I want every person to walk out feeling amazing, even if it means sending them to another shop to find something more fit for them. To me, it’s not about making a sale. It’s about making someone feel beautiful and confident,” she says.

As Kerrigan continues to build the Studio 623 brand, she is finding new ways to celebrate and support her customers.

Studio 623’s Prom Bash, an event designed to take the stress out of finding the perfect prom dress, is set for Saturday, February 1, 2025. Girls who purchase a gown during the event will be entered to win prizes sponsored by local businesses, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Though Studio 623 has already come a long way, Kerrigan is always thinking ahead.

“We’re running out of space here, so I hope to expand,” she says. “I also want to keep growing our custom work. There’s something so special about helping someone design a gown that’s completely their own.”

Kerrigan’s passion for her business is apparent in every detail, from the carefully chosen inventory and planned events to the personal way she connects with her clients.

“When I opened Studio 623, my goal was to create a place where everyone feels welcome, no matter who they are or what they’re looking for. I want people to feel like they belong here,” she says.

And with every perfectly fitted dress, Kerrigan is making her vision a reality. WL

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