A true entrepreneur, Camille Seven founded her first business three weeks after graduating from college. Growing up, her mother had a small business of her own, and Camille knew she wanted to do the same.
“I wanted something that would allow me to one day become a mother, be creative, and be in control of my schedule,” she says.
Today, the wife and mother of three (2-year-old Celine, 4-year-old Wynn, and 9-year-old Colette) has had tremendous success. Her portfolio includes The Dress Theory bridal shop in Seattle, San Diego, and Nashville, as well as LVD Bridal in Nashville.
Of all the places she has lived, Nashville was the place she decided to settle, raise her children, and expand her businesses. Although Camille grew up in California, she spent a lot of time in Tennessee.
“My dad was a FedEx pilot and many of his pilot friends lived here or had lake homes in and around Tennessee, so we came out a lot for vacations.” That’s when she fell in love with the area. “I first moved out here about 13 years ago to open The Dress Theory. We then moved back permanently in 2020.”
Today, Camille enjoys being part of the everyday fabric of life and supporting the community by getting involved in different causes and donating items to raise money for local schools and organizations.
“The friendships and relationships we have made are really special,” she says. “Also, there's nothing like the small business community here, and the clients that support these businesses are unmatched.”
Her latest venture, launched in 2024, is Department. “I had always wanted to have a boutique in the Courtyard on Bandywood,” says Camille. “It's the sweetest spot, and I love that everyone's local. It's a really unique and special shopping experience.”
The full name of the store is actually Department of Finishing Touches, which she says is a bit of a mouthful. It has all of those little things that really add so much to life, such as a spritz of perfume, a special piece of jewelry, and unique tableware.
“They’re things that make the day feel special and add joy and personality,” says Camille.
It’s important to her to support the independent designers who create many of these items, which you won’t find in any other local outlet. “Every designer is exclusive to us,” she says. “These skilled artisans and craftspeople from around the world create pieces that people will hopefully keep forever.”
Department allows her to share her point of view, perspective, style, and interesting educational background. In addition to a degree in Art History, Camille graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, completed a design program in New York, earned a certificate in natural perfumery, and has taken courses through the Gemological Institute of America.
“My education and experience with all of these areas of art and design have come together to improve my eye and taste level when buying,” she says. They were passion projects, explains Camille, with the goal of one day having them all come together in one place, which they indeed have with Department.
“I'm sharing a lot of myself in the store, and when a customer resonates with that, it's like this instant connection, and it brings me a lot of fulfillment,” she says.
DepartmentNashville.com
“The friendships and relationships we have made are really special.”
“I'm sharing a lot of myself in the store, and when a customer resonates with that, it's like this instant connection, and it brings me a lot of fulfillment.”