Words by Logan Fowler | Image by Al Blanton
Kerrigan Garrison never planned to become a business owner. Instead, she followed a passion that began at just 12 years old and, over time, grew into a career built on creativity, confidence, and care for others.
“I did pageants every weekend, so I was around that world all the time, and it is just something I fell into,” she says.
After years of competing, she realized that her greatest fulfillment was not being on stage but helping others feel their best behind the scenes. That passion led her to work in dress shops, first at Proms N Promises in Haleyville and later at Cherry Tree Lane in Florence, which helped her realize her dream of owning her own store.
“I’ve always admired the women I worked for, like Susie Johnson at Proms N Promises and Kathryn Robinson at Cherry Tree Lane, who were such strong, confident role models,” Kerrigan says. “Susie especially influenced me because she was sassy, confident, and always knew exactly what dress someone needed. She changed how I saw myself when I was a nervous teenager picking out my first pageant dress. I’ve never forgotten that.”
Eager to follow in the footsteps of her mentors, she purchased the former Haley House Formal Wear shop in Haleyville in 2023. Soon after, she relocated to downtown Jasper, where she already owned the Lash House, focusing on lash extensions and permanent makeup. With the move came a new name: Studio 623, inspired by her son’s birthday, June 23.
Since then, Kerrigan has continued building Studio 623. Known for pageant and prom dresses, it also houses Stoned Couture, a custom design operation she runs with business partner Mary Beth. Their in-house designs have been shipped nationwide and have helped clients capture state and national titles, including Miss Teen America and Miss Teen USA.
Even so, Kerrigan defines success less by crowns than by confidence.
“Just making other girls feel beautiful is the most rewarding part,” she says.
That perspective speaks to the heart of her work: creating not only standout looks, but moments that help others feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful. 78