Budding Fashion Entrepreneur Opens Commack Dress Shop

Having celebrated her 25th birthday last month, Diona Amen is one of Commack’s youngest entrepreneurs. With a passion for fashion and business skills to boot, she is the owner of which will celebrate its grand opening Feb. 16.

Amen may be young, but she’s no newbie to the fashion world. The businesswoman got an introduction to the industry while in high school, working part-time at David’s Bridal. By the time she graduated in 2010, she was ready to take her passion to the next level. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, honing the business skills needed for success in the field. After college, she began working with a wholesale fashion company. It was there that she got the idea to start an online dress shop, DressGala.com.

The budding business owner utilized her designer contacts from her wholesale job to bring inventory into the shop. Within two years, the website proved to be a successful operation. Having gained an online following, Amen was ready to open Dress Gala’s first store, located at 1143 Jericho Turnpike, within the Northgate Shopping Center.

“What I’m most exited about is the customer service. I like to talk to people in person. You build a personal relationship with the customer. It’s a nice feeling,” she said. 

The store features dresses for every occasion, but as prom season approaches, the shop is filled with the latest trends for teens, including fashions from designers such as Jovani, Alyce, Lara Designs, Tony Bowls, Mignon and others.