Laura Ross, owner of Bride, talks opening her new Crossroads bridal shop, wanting to be like Muggsy Bogues and more in The Pitch Questionnaire

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On Instagram: bride.kc

Hometown: The home of Arbor Day, aka Nebraska City, Nebraska

Current neighborhood: Live, Prairie Village; play, Waldo; work and play, Crossroads

What I do: I connect future bridal muses with emerging, creative and independent designers in a laid-back and cozy lil’ studio.

What’s your addiction? Reformer Pilates (at Transform Barre & Pilates in Waldo) and finding crazy talented small makers on Etsy/
Instagram.

What’s your game? Lately, peekaboo. My daughter is a huge fan.

What’s your drink? I’ve been really into pale ales lately. I do not discriminate. I like them all.

Where’s dinner? My go-to, District Pour House + Kitchen in Waldo. If I play my cards right, Novel in the West Side.

What’s on your KC postcard? A summer-night outdoor concert at Knuckleheads.

Finish this sentence: “Kansas City got it right when …” Kansas City gets so much right. You won’t find better people, the support for local businesses and innovative ideas is on par, and did I mention the people?

“Kansas City screwed up when …” This has probably been said over and over. The stadiums weren’t moved downtown. The Royals/Royals Parade/World Cup/Sporting/etc. has exposed the fan greatness and potential for KC. I’m not much for logistics, but to a blind eye, it seems like the stadiums downtown would just elevate the camaraderie and boost the economy even more.

“Kansas City needs …” The streetcar is a good start, but greater walkability and a citywide subway system. I wish I didn’t need a car and could still easily get around to all of the wonderful parts of KC. And mountains. And more lakes perfect for wakeboarding. And more breweries. You can never have enough breweries. But kudos to the newer brewery scene!

“As a kid, I wanted to be …” Just like Muggsy Bogues. Nothing sounded better than playing for the Charlotte Hornets. I was in serious denial that I was a female and totally not NBA material.

My favorite toy as a child: It’s a tossup between my doll, T’amanda, and a basketball.

“In five years, I’ll be …” Continuing to do what I love in the shop, and hopefully, if things go well, be able to branch out into other avenues.

“I always laugh at …” Anything and everything. Seriously, I can boost an ego real quick.

“I’ve been known to binge-watch …” The Today show, from beginning to end. I may or may not be obsessed. It’s a really good thing they don’t play the Hoda and Kathie Lee hour at 10 because I would be useless until 11 every single day.

“I can’t stop listening to …” The Church of Lazlo and all of their blarney.  

“My dream concert lineup is …” Man, this question has been stressing me out. Do I go with every one-hit wonder from the ’90s/early 2000s? (That concert could take awhile.) Or a resurrection concert with a few I wish I would have been able to appreciate and do an eclectic trio with Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson?

“I just read …” Fifteen Animals, by Sandra Boynton. Life-changing.

What’s your hidden talent? I have accents for days. None of them are good, but I have them.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Dancing like a fool. It’s so bad, I’ve been asked if I’m serious, and yes, I am.

The best advice I ever got: Be yourself.

Worst advice: We do it that way because that’s the way we’ve always done it.

My sidekick: My other half and super-supportive future husband, Jason, and Harlow James, the first baby I wasn’t scared of … my free-spirited, independent lil’ 1-1/2-year-old.

What is your spirit animal? According to spiritanimal.info (clearly a trusted source with the first spot on Google and that url), a butterfly.

Who is your hero? I admire so many, but entrepreneurs/small makers who have a defined brand/aesthetic and pave their own path.

What is your nemesis? Lately, my running shoes

What’s your greatest struggle right now? Putting on my running shoes and actually running. Run yo self, running shoes.

My brush with fame: One time, I went backstage and pretended to be with the band at a Foo Fighters concert. I became best friends with the band manager (or someone I interpreted as the band manager; maybe he was just a poser like me) and I literally could have taken one step and been up the stairs and on the stage. Does that count?

My dating triumph/tragedy: Triumph — asking for a Bud Light (don’t judge, times were tough) and getting a cheap tab and a future husband out of the deal.

My soapbox: Do what makes you happy. If you don’t like something, change it. And … buy local, eat local and drink local as much as you can. There is so much talent in our city. Support it.

What was the last thing you had to apologize for? Not being able to pull my weight around the house as much lately.

Who’s sorry now? My college professor who was unimpressed with my paper and rubric dedicated to following your dreams and career happiness.

My recent triumph: After the crazy long hours and the overanalyzing of way too many details, seeing my ideas for Bride come to fruition. Walking through the door on my first day of appointments, careerwise nothing has ever felt better.

Bride is open at 1800 Wyandotte, Suite 100.