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Amsale Aberra 
Bridal and evening wear designer at Amsale, her boutique on Madison Avenue

What makes your job fun?
The fun part is really the designing. In the beginning, when my showroom was also my living room, I developed friendships with the women who came in—talking about the flowers, the dress, everything—and I can still do that. It's a way to bond with other women.

What are the drawbacks?
The business part. Sometimes it's like two different jobs—the creative part and the financial—and I'm like, 'Why am I doing this?' The biggest pressure is the deadlines.

You once said that every time you make a dress, it's like getting married all over again.
It's true. I try on every dress and say, 'If I were getting married next week, this would be the one.'