Meet Ali Alter | Bridal Alterations Owner & Operating Seamstress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Alter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My grandfather being a 1st generation metal smith and father starting and owning multiple businesses through the years, from surf shops to Building Construction Management guiding other business owners to success. It was a bit inevitable that the next generation was to provide another entrepreneur. I am one of 4 siblings who are all creative and unique in our endeavors, so the motivation, encouragement, and slight competitiveness was a recipe for success. Though I never expected to be the 1st sibling to start her own business, now all 4 of us have dipped our toes in the water.

I had previously worked in high end bridal alterations when I first moved to Denver in 2016, learning the tricks of the trade from an incredible mentor. I took those tools and put them to practice for the next 9 years. My career went a few different directions while I tried to figure out, as a young adult, what career path would work for me, yet still bridal alterations knocked on my door.

Just before the Covid lockdown I had changed gears from working in technical garment retail in Breckenridge, Colorado to Starbucks so that I had more flexibility to begin building the business. Two weeks later we were in lockdown, Starbucks kept me on supplying security in finances and health insurance, then I starting shaping the business to be what it is today. Without all of these pieces, we would not be in business!

Two years into it, my husband and I made a difficult decision to leave our beloved mountain town for the city. While this was one of the hardest decisions we have yet to make both in life and career, it was the best move for the business. Denver is a young and in love city, providing ample wedding attire to be fitted!

We are currently operating out of our home studio, though we are working on expanding back into a brick and mortar, as well as hiring some employees!

What should our readers know about your business?
We specialize in artisanal, custom alterations, focused in bridal. I have a background in apparel design and technology, providing an understanding of garment construction from sketch to finish. This is crucial for being able to deconstruct and reconstruct any garment. The rest was learned in real life experience, You know that stuff they want to see on your resume! I’m very proud to provide expert knowledge and services in a field that the modern garment wearer doesn’t even consider, alterations.

We are in our 5th year of business, with many more to come. While our world is rapidly changing, weddings remain, traditionally and non traditionally. We love your love and we want to help you look and, more importantly, feel your best.

It is not easy! From learning how to start and run a business to continually pivoting in order to provide an excellent client experience, we’re always looking to be better than the day before. Right now we are in the thick of it, it’s peak bridal season. I usually refer to us as a “we” because I am not in this alone from behind the scenes, but all of the fitting and sewing labor is done by yours truly. We have been growing at an exponential rate, which is why we have our eyes out for a brick and mortar, as well as the next generation of seamstresses and seamsters. While it is a bit of a dying trade, if that is you, we’d love to connect!

We want everyone to feel welcome and heard in their alterations journey. There is absolutely no space for discrimination against one’s race, color, religion, s*x (including transgender status, s*xual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, or disabilities. We’re not bothered by if this is your 1st or 5th wedding. We’re just here for you and yours! While this may seem like an obvious statement, it is especially important in such an intimate setting as alterations. We are all human and all deserve to feel safe, particularly when I’m all up in your armpits pinning your garments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funnily enough, my best friend helped persuade me to move to Colorado in the first place and then she left me! So back in the day you could catch us at the apartment pool or Finn’s Manor on Larimer Street, but now I would probably take her to our favorite dimly lit bar to play some shuffleboard at the Englewood Grand, or back to the Curtis Park Creamery for some chips and salsa to reminisce about the good ol’ day and finish it off with some Sweet Cow ice cream. If I could steal her away for longer, I’d drive her straight up to Strawberry Hot Springs so we could melt away into the mountains while gossiping about life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SO MANY PEOPLE! This is definitely a team effort.

My father, Kirk Alter, the man, the myth, the legend. He is who encouraged me to start a business, has guided me through the process, and explored ways for me to become a seamstress in the first place.

My mother, Pam Alter, for undying love and support. When the going gets tough, mom is pouring the wine to talk me through life, love, and business. She has always and will always be ready to help.

My siblings, Adam, Jacob, and Emily, for mutual motivation and decompression from the stressful stuff.

My husband, Joe Teichman, a fellow entrepreneur in his own right and my source of strength, support, and unwavering love.

And all of the wonderful seamstresses I have met and learned from along the way.

Website: https://summitseamstress.com/

Instagram: @artisanalterationsllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtisanAlterationsLLC

Image Credits
Mark Blake by the West