Colleen (Murphy) Galacz was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. She is a graduate of Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Central Michigan University. Crystal (Wygal) Watkins was born and raised in Eastpointe, Michigan. She is a graduate of East Detroit High School and Central Michigan University.Both Colleen and Crystal received their degrees in Apparel Merchandising and Design from CMU. The two worked together on the Elected Board of the Fashion Association of Merchandising and Design (FAMD) which produced fashion shows, supported Fashion conferences and student leadership. Since graduating, Colleen and Crystal have worked as buyers for Jacobson’s Stores, Inc., Frank’s Nursery and Kmart. When Kmart’s corporate headquarters relocated from Troy, Michigan, to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the duo decided to stay close to their roots in Michigan and pursue their dream of entering the wedding vendor world.

In 2005, while both women were in the midst of planning their own weddings, Colleen and Crystal launched Affordable Elegance Chair Covers and Linens (AECC Linens, www.aecclinens.com) quickly becoming one of Michigan’s premier linen companies. In addition to weddings, the company provides linens to corporate events and charitable fundraiser.

In late 2010, the opportunity to acquire the already-established miss kate’s maids presented itself. The pair knew immediately that this was their chance to live their dream, delving deeper into the wedding sector. They have been successfully running miss kate’s maids since January 2011, won The Best of The Knot Dress Store, turned around the customer service level and couldn’t be more excited to update the lines, the look and the name: Studio Bridesmaid.