CARTERVILLE - With a large portion of her customers visiting her Harrisburg shop from Williamson and Jackson counties, Kathleen Sperling figured it was time to expand westward.

Sperling, owner of Kathleen's Bridals, opened Kathleen's Bridal and Formal Wear II at 741 S. Division St. in Carterville in October. The business is housed in the former Four Seasons Tea Room building, which is owned by Dan and Allison (Brewer) Snow.

"We really needed to expand because we were bursting at the seams," Sperling said. "And then when Allison called me and told me about the building being available � it simply made sense."

Both of Sperling's shops are two-story Victorian-style homes.

"I think the atmosphere here lends to a more unique experience for girls who are getting married or planning for a prom or other special occasion," Sperling said.

The Carterville location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Sarah Anderson manages the Carterville store. She is assisted by Abby Alecci, a sales consultant.

Sperling's daughter, Jade Hendriks, serves as regional manager over both shops. Jodi Duncan operates a wedding planner and floral designing and arrangements shop inside the Carterville business. Duncan was recently recognized as Designer of the Year by the Illinois State Florists Association.

Also housed at the Carterville business are: Light and Sound Design by Memory Lane; Beauti Control for spa and salon services; B&A Travel honeymoon services; Sophrona's Bakery (with a specialty in wedding cakes); Kate Collins Photography; and One Hot Cookie (catering services).

"We're a full-service bridal salon," Anderson said. "We do everything from invitations and wedding gowns to tuxedo rentals, flower girl dresses, bridesmaids' gowns and alteration services. We also provide accessories such as jewelry, shoes and veils and have in-house shoe dying free of charge."

Anderson said business has been steady since the shop opened in Carterville.

"It seems that not a day goes by that we don't fit two or three brides-to-be," she said. "We're getting busier and busier because now is the time to make orders for May or June weddings and spring proms."

Sperling said she attended 12 fast-track business classes at the Small Business Development Center in Harrisburg through Southeast Missouri State University, and after writing a business plan for the Carterville shop, was awarded a $2,300 grant to help get her business started on the right foot.

"That was pretty much the icing on the cake," Sperling said of the grant. "The community of Carterville has been very good to us, and we're looking forward to spending time here."

Sperling is formerly an Adcock and is a native of Harrisburg. Her husband, Glenn, operates a body shop. Besides their daughter, Jade, the couple also have a son, Jared, an artist, who helped with the décor of the Carterville shop.

For more information on Kathleen's Bridal and Formal Wear II, call 985-4222.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

351-5805