Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruthanne Karel.
Hi Ruthanne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a home that sewing was a huge part of our life. My mother was a self- taught seamstress and taught me how to sew as I was growing up. When I got married my parents gave me a sewing machine and I immediately started making clothes for my husband. We were blessed with three daughters. I started making clothes for my girls and making and altering theit formals. I was a nurse by profession and left my job to homeschool my children. When my youngest graduated high school it was time for me to go back to work. I had helped in a homeschool group (Homeschool Performing Arts) doing costume alterations in my oldest daughter’s senior year and decided I wanted to work from home and to build a business for my passion of sewing. I started doing alterations for the public in 2016. I started out doing any type of sewing job then figured out that I needed to choose an area that fit my skills. I choose to focus on garments. I now focus on formal wear and casual, weddings, and hemming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I was beginning my business I was working at getting people to know about what myself and my services. I put my business card at the local fabric stores and created a Facebook business page. I focused on quality work and providing a comfortable environment in my studio. It took time to be known in the community but it has paid off.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love my customers and customer interaction. Providing a perfect fit from the bodice to the floor. Some people think that bodice work alone is the most important but a hem that fit to the proper length is the final touch to make the garment flow the way it was designed. I am known to be detailed oriented and taking pride in quality work. I take on difficult, detailed formal wear.
What matters most to you?
A quality job with seams that line and finished well. Comfort of wear for the customer. This matters to me as a seamstress. I grew up with my Mom pointing out a poorly constructed garment and and what should have been done. This really stuck with me that quality matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://homesklmom.wixsite.com/rkalterations
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rksewingandalterations?stkn=ZTJybHZudHlqM3l3
- Facebook: @rksewingandalterations
