By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

Samara DeWitt might be only 3 years old, but she knows very well what her job is.

"Sell dresses!" the toddler exclaimed, a grin on her face.

DeWitt accompanies her great-aunt, Elinda Bauer, to work every day at A Bride's World, located at 2514 Vine. Bauer took over the long-time Hays business on Sept. 17 -- her birthday -- and now enjoys working with her family.

Besides DeWitt, Bauer's daughter, Heather Sullivan, is a full-time employee at the shop, which offers wedding gowns, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses, and many bridal accessories.

Sullivan also brings her 3-month-old son, Dexter, to the family business.

"With all of us here, there's never a dull moment," Sullivan said.

The store has been reorganized following an extensive renovation, and the business celebrated its grand opening in January. The business also offers wedding planning services. In-house alterations are available for no additional charge.

Bauer, who wanted something different after many years of hotel management, never expected to operate a bridal shop. But the experience has been so enjoyable, she said she wouldn't want it any other way.

"It's very rewarding. I look back to one of my first brides ... when we found her dress, she was so excited," Bauer said. "When she left, she ran out in the hallway and was jumping up in the air.

"I had a girl in here this morning, and when she put on her dress, her grandma cried. And you know, when you can get that perfect dress, it's exciting for us."

With the busy season of summer weddings just a few months away, business has picked up considerably, Bauer said, noting the store draws customers from throughout western Kansas.

"We noticed a spike right after Christmas," she said. "So I would assume that a lot of girls got engagement rings for Christmas."

Looking ahead to the future, Bauer hopes to expand the store's offering for high school formals. She also has begun selling products online.

Bauer also is quick to admit she has good help. The store employs four part-time staff members, and, of course, DeWitt is more than willing to lend her charm.

"She tends to stand in the doorway and yell at people, 'Come in and buy a dress,' " Bauer said with a laugh. "And she's very good for the store."