Ruth Calvert shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ruth, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
We are extremely proud that not only have we created a brand, but we have built a team and culture that supports a collaborative generational environment. Our team celebrates the past while looking forward to the future and all of the new ideas. We are so proud that we are able to honor the past and build off it for generations to come. The history and knowledge of the past combined with the energy and vision of the youth inspires the best of each other and makes our team and culture that much better for it! We are so honored to be able to carry forth a dying art in such a way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ruth and I am the owner of Altered for the Altar along with my daughter, Rylee. We are a boutique bridal alterations mother-daughter business located in the heart of Dallas! We have been in the DFW industry for over 40 years now. We have built a business on taking the most unglamorous (but most important) part of wedding gown shopping (ie. alterations) and elevating it with an entire experience that extends past just the purchase of your gown! We collaborate with local bridal business’ to bring the alterations services to their clients. We absolutely LOVE getting to work with our amazing brides. We do everything from basic wedding gown alterations to full vintage wedding gown restorations. We are most known for our customization capabilities and elite experience! Our salon offers 6,000 square feet of premiere alteration services. We offer oversized fitting rooms complete with champagne service and we also have a fun front end bridal shopping area for all your bridal needs. Our workspace, which houses a full in-house seamstress team, offers state of the art sewing equipment. Our team has a combined sewing experience of well over 300 years total. We can honestly say without hesitation we house the BEST talent in the business. It is such a joy to serve our brides alongside our amazing team and our family! We are proud to have been in business standing the test of time with our amazing team all of these years!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the most about work through my parents. Their efforts as a team helped engrain what a team looks like from the very beginning of my life. My father worked tirelessly day in and day out without all of the accolades, while he was supported unconditionally by my mom who ran the household of seven. My father was always trying to learn more about his craft and tried everyday to be the best he could be. Which back then was much harder without the internet. He was always striving to have that extra edge! My dad always taught me to learn from the past, but to live in the future—learn and grow! I am forever grateful for the example they set for me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
EVERYDAY! Haha! No, but seriously this business takes a daily commitment. Everyday I look back and see how far I have come and that pushes me forward again. To honor the dedication and time poured into the business. I can’t imagine not moving forward, it would feel almost disrespectful not to.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and No. I definitely have worked very hard at being authentic and true to myself in all areas of my life. However I do have to filter myself quite a bit more within the business. The ones closest (ie. my children & husband) would argue that I am more unhinged and unfiltered in my private life. I like to keep my circle small and super loyal. I appreciate my space and having time with my core people. I am still a perfectionist, bossy, goal orientated person in both business in private though!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story that is told is that I loved my family above all else. I hope they say I was always there and I showed up day in and day out. That I was loyal and consistent. I want my customers and team to remember me as compassionate and hardworking, always willing to get my hands dirty. Success doesn’t come without sacrifice and I hope in the end my family sees it was all worth it. That I gave my everything so that I could hopefully give them more than I had.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alteredforthealtar.com
- Instagram: @alteredforthealtar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlteredfortheAltar/
Image Credits
Sprout Imagery- Amber Robbins
