Today we’d like to introduce you to Rylee and Ruth Calvert.
Rylee and Ruth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
What an amazing journey I have been blessed to have! I never could have imagined 30 years ago how my business would have evolved and grown.
In 1985, I was a newlywed unhappy with a job at a bank desperate to find a way to create something of my own that would be able to earn an income. I decided to turn a lifelong passion and hobby into a business venture.
Armed with one sewing machine, a spare bedroom, and a “can-do” attitude, I began. I took on any sewing project that would help advance my career and talents. By the end of 1985, I discovered that my niche and talent was in Bridal Alterations. Alterations utilize a different mind and skill set than custom sewing. Alterations require troubleshooting, problem solving and patience beyond measure. I put in countless hours perfecting my skills to ensure that my business would thrive and grow.
Upon graduating from Texas Tech University with a major in Business Administration, Marketing, my only daughter joined my business. The daughter that at one time played at the foot of my sewing machine, is now my partner. Rylee is fun, smart, creative, insightful, organized, passionate and the ying to my yang. She brings an energy and discipline to our company that has allowed us to grow from one employee to twelve and still growing. With her at my side I have been able to spend more time doing what I truly love, designing and working with the Brides!
This past July our biggest dream finally came true! We found ourselves with the opportunity to open our first brick and mortar location. We now have a FABULOUS 5,000 sq. ft. space in downtown Dallas in the Design District. This has been a crazy journey full of pure grit and desire. In my wildest dreams I NEVER dreamed I would be 27 years old opening a store with my parents. I am eternally grateful for the journey I have been given.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As most things, there have been ups and there have been downs. I would say the hardest thing for both of us has been transitions. While we both welcome positive change it does always shake up the routine a little bit.
Mom has had years of experience and three kids to prepare her for anything. Thankfully she is a pro at adapting to anything now. Myself on the other hand, while I may guide towards the needed expansion, change has always been hard for me. I like my routines and my consistency, but any good business owner knows that is a luxury that does not belong to a profitable business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most simply we alter wedding gowns for a bride’s big day and all the other gowns that come with a wedding. In addition, we also do custom design projects and vintage restoration pieces. We understand that while there are many gowns on the market, your PERFECT gown might be missing sleeves, custom neckline, lace, bling, and everything in between.
I think what we are most proud of as a company is being able to offer an experience to our brides. We want to be there with you every step of the way. We take great responsibility in making sure your MOST important garment of your entire life is 100% perfect.
What sets us aside from our competitors is just that. Listening to our brides and doing everything in our power to deliver a garment that isn’t just fitted to the body, its fitted to the person wearing it. We strive to make every gown PERFECT for the person who will ultimately be wearing it.
What were you like growing up?
I am not going to lie, I was kind of a pain in the butt as a child. When I was a mere two years old mom spent 3 hours one Sunday afternoon making me a new outfit for that evening. As soon as she finished she put it on me and I told her it was ugly and I didn’t want to wear it. In kindergarten mom bought me my first pair of pants to wear to school so I could play at recess. I proceeded to through a complete tantrum. I was dumbfounded at why she was trying to make me wear boy clothes and refused to wear anything but dresses. I FINALLY just recently started wearing pants more, but literally only because it was becoming very hard to pin clients in dresses and skirts.
I was extremely bossy and demanding as a child. I wanted thing my way in my time. I also cataloged my closet from a very young age to make sure I did not re-wear the same outfit twice to school within a two week period. I had an extreme love for clothes from the youngest age. I always wanted the best and the coolest. I still remember discovering Anthropologie at age 14 and it was as if the Heavens had opened up.
So not much has changed really. I still have a deep passion for clothing. I over dress on the reg, But, I have had to develop some “woosah” techniques over the years. But, I will always be a perfectionist. Especially when it comes to wardrobes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1327 E. Levee St.
- Website: www.alteredforthealtar.com
- Phone: 214-929-1857
- Email: alterations@alteredforthealtar.com
- Instagram: Altered for the Altar
- Facebook: Altered for the Altar
- Twitter: Altered for the Altar
- Yelp: Altered for the Altar
- Other: Altered for the Altar
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