Career
Despite difficult circumstances, she saw a need and came up with a solution that revolutionized the women"s fashion industry. In 1899, Lena married David Bryant, another Russian immigrant. Lena then lived on West 112th Saint in Manhattan.
In 1904, Bryant moved to Fifth Avenue between 119th and 120th Streets.
She rented a shopfront on the first floor of a building for $12.50 a month, with living quarters in the rear. She hung garments from the gas fixtures, and set up shop.
Her sister"s new husband lent her $300 to open a bank account as working capital for the purchase of fabrics. A bank officer misspelled her name on the application as "Lane", so that became the name of the store.
Bryant earned a reputation for the clothing she made for pregnant women.
Bryant created a comfortable and concealing tea gown by attaching an accordion pleated skirt to a bodice using an elastic band. She had created the first known commercially sold maternity dress. Soon she expanded to a new shop at 19 West. 38th Street where she employed a dozen girls.