Lorna Ellis is the proud owner of 4U Bridal and Prom in Worcester, MA. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she moved to the United States in 1983 with her young son. Her journey in the bridal industry began at Trenchre’s Bridal Store in New York, where she worked as a tailor and dress sales representative while attending Mayers Fashion School of Design in Manhattan, graduating with honors in 1987.
In 1988, she moved to Worcester, MA, where she worked as a tailor and sales assistant at a local bridal shop. After gaining experience in both bridal fashion and corporate roles—working at Hanover Insurance and Reliant Medical Group—she remained deeply involved in community service. She served on the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and helped organize events such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast and holiday caroling celebrations.
In 2019, she realized her long-held dream of owning a bridal shop by purchasing 4U Bridal and Prom, which has since become a well-regarded business in Worcester. She relocated the shop to the Main South area in 2020 and became actively involved with the Main South Business Association (MSBA), serving as a board member for two years before being elected vice-president in 2023.
A dedicated member of AME Zion Church in Worcester, she is committed to giving back to the community. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, she advocates for children in the court system. She also supports numerous community events, including the Caribbean Festival, Worcester’s Juneteenth Festival, and the World of Food Festival.
In addition to running her business, she has organized fashion shows to highlight local talent and small businesses, with her first major show held at the DCU Center in 2022. Through her work, she shares her passion for sewing, alterations, and creative design. Her goal is to preserve the art of sewing by teaching young adults and others the skills to redesign and create custom pieces.
Her greatest joy comes from using her skills and business to serve others, helping individuals find the perfect attire for their special occasions while also promoting creative arts and community engagement.