My Journey in Bridal.
As I reflect on my journey in the bridal industry, I can’t help but marvel at the winding path that led me to where I am today – the proud owner of Bridal Alterations by Kirstyn. It all began during my college years, where my passion for sewing ignited within the walls of the Kent State University theater department. From altering garments to crafting pieces from scratch for stage productions, I found myself immersed in the world of creativity and craftsmanship.
Here I am circa 2008, working in the costume shop creating a gown for Marian in Music Man.
After college, my pursuit to a fulfilling career led me to David’s Bridal, where I discovered my love for the wedding industry. As an alterations specialist, I honed my skills and learned the art of perfecting a bridal gown. Despite various job changes over the years, alterations remained a constant in my life, guiding me towards my true calling.
My pivotal role as the Operations Manager at Wedding Atelier in Manhattan was a transformative experience for me. Working closely with designers, assisting brides find their dream gowns, and managing the overall operations of the store, I absorbed invaluable insights that shaped me both personally and professionally. Amidst these career milestones, I embarked of my own journey to marriage and motherhood, further solidifying my commitment to creating a fulfilling career path closer to home.
New York Bridal Fashion Week 2015
Choosing styles for Wedding Atelier stock for the upcoming season. (You can see how much the bridal fashion has changed in such a short amount of time).
Despite facing challenges and moments of uncertainty, I never lost sight of my ultimate goal – to establish my own bridal alterations business. Three years ago, I took a huge leap of faith and that dream became a reality, and today, I stand proudly at the helm of my own shop alongside a dedicated and talented employee.
Looking towards the future, I envision my space to be more than just a place for bridal alterations – it’s a destinations for brides seeking an authentic and personalized experience. My vision included hosting trunk shows for independent designers, showcasing their unique creations and celebrating the artistry behind each gown. I am committed to supporting designers who prioritize craftsmanship, quality, and the individuality of each bride.
This is the space of my dreams.
In the upcoming series of blog posts, I aim to share my experience and insights to guide brides through their bridal journey. From discovering their bridal vibe to navigating the gown selection process, I’ll provide tips, tricks, and timelines to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. I will also highlight the designers that I feel fit my vision for the future growth of Bridal Alterations by Kirstyn.
Join me as we embark on this journey together, celebrating love, creativity, and the timeless beauty of bridal fashion. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiration.
xo,
Kirstyn
My name is Jackie and you altered my daughter’s Alexis ‘ dress. I am very unsatisfied. You added a min skirt which looked ridiculous then you added a full skirt which was great! But you didn’t complete the skirt it had no hem it was long and crooked and it wasn’t even attached to the skirt. You were also supposed to fix the bustle because you knew it wasn’t laying right. I brought it elsewhere and they are hemming the slip and attaching the slip to the dress as well as fixing the bustle. We carefully chose for you to alter my daughter’s dream wedding dress and she needed very minimal alterations. I am very disappointed and disgusted at the fact that you did not do the right thing for us. We took the dress because it just felt awkward in your shop and the wedding is in 10 days. We contacted you last year for this alteration and didn’t mind paying for your professional services but we got none of that. I am a very unsatisfied mother.