An Armagh woman who felt ‘monotonous’ in her career has taken her love for all things fashion and created her dream dress rental studio.
Niki Woods, originally from Armagh, now calls Keady home with her husband Christopher and two children, Georgia (10) and Alfie (14).
Always having a passion for fashion and a desire to do something different in her career, summer 2025 was the season that changed everything for Niki, as she finally embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.
Niki said: “I had worked in sales for 27 years at Bunzl McLoughlin, but I always knew it wasn’t where my passion lay. I have always loved dresses, always shopping for myself and my wardrobe was stuffed to the point where I could open a dress hire shop – and the idea really grew from there.
“I have hired dresses in the past so I had an idea of how the process works and I just really believed that I could do it. I love dresses and I love style, fashion, but also love dealing and working with the public so it was really a now or never moment to give it a go.”
Niki had been thinking about her business venture for over a year, before finally deciding it was the right time and handed her notice into her previous job. She began researching all things dress hire, realising her business had a real niche in the area, with no other high-end dress rental services available in Keady or Armagh city.
She continued: “Dress rental gives people the opportunity to wear a brand for a special occasion without being out the expense of buying the dress in full and being stuck with it.”
In June this year, Niki began searching for her premises, viewing different properties in both Armagh and Keady, unsure of where would be the right ‘fit’.
It wasn’t until she stumbled across an empty unit on Kinelown Street, Keady – where she could visualise her new fashion empire. Just a short 10 minute drive from Armagh and close by to her own family home, it was the perfect location to start her entrepreneurial journey, but also having the benefit of being close to her family.
With the help of her handy-man husband Christopher [who is a joiner], Niki’s dream dressing empire was built in just a few short weeks. Her parents, Geraldine and Alfie were also on hand to help get the studio squeaky clean before opening!
Unable to decide on a name for her studio, it was a lightbulb moment from her 10-year-old daughter that was the winning choice.
Niki said: “I picked her [Georgia] up from school one day and told her I still couldn’t decide on a name. Then she goes ‘Mummy I know what it’s going to be called – Dress two Impress – that’s the dress-up game I play online with my friends’.”
Dress 2 Impress officially opened their doors on October 2, with the aid of Niki’s close friends playing a key role in helping get the studio ready for launch day. It is by appointment only, with guests having the comfort of trying on clothing in a private setting, with Niki on hand to help with styling and sizing.
With over 200 dresses in stock [and more on the way], there really is styles for everyone, including mini, midi, maxi dresses and jumpsuits. The high-end brands available to choose from include Nadine Merabi, Lavish Alice, Solace London, Kevin John, Self Portrait, Ellaitt, Club L London and lots more.
Currently, their size range runs from size 6 to 16, with the hope of expanding the size range selection in the New Year.
Some dresses are exclusive and available in one size only, with other popular dresses available to rent in a range of different sizes.
Appointments can be made by clicking the WhatsApp link on Dress 2 Impress Facebook page or by messaging their Instagram/Facebook page directly. Appointment slots are 45 minutes long, giving ample time to browse and try on. Visitors can reserve their chosen frock for your desired date or if it’s a last minute dress pick, you can take it home then and there!
Rental prices range from £65 to £85 depending on the brand. Dresses are allocated rental for five days, with collection on a Thursday and must then be returned on the Monday. Niki does express that there is of course leeway if the dress is required for a longer length of time.
To ensure you receive your desired dates, Niki suggests making your appointment six weeks in advance of your event to avoid disappointment, but for any last minute shoppers, she will do her best to accommodate finding the perfect dress at short notice.
To finish off your look, accessories are also available to purchase in-store including bags and jewellery. In the New Year, Niki is excited to announce that jewellery by Victoria McDonald will be available to buy.
Renters also do not need to worry about the washing or dry cleaning of rented pieces, with Dress 2 Impress covering the cleaning of each garment.
With Christmas and New Year right around the corner, Dress 2 Impress have a large selection of glitz and glamour still available to rent this party season.
Their diary is also opened for the upcoming 2026 Communion and Confirmation season – with slots filling up fast!
“Most people are coming to me looking a dress for a wedding, and knowing they will likely only wear it once, instead are opting to save money by renting a dress,” she added.
“I love dressing people and helping people. Especially recently I have been dressing people for staff parties and everyone is looking sparkles, but just being able to see a smile on a their faces when they find something they love and feel good in is the best job satisfaction that makes it all worthwhile.”
Click here to visit Dress 2 Impress on Facebook
