Today we’d like to introduce you to Moriah Turner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Moriah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My grandmother was a seamstress from Chicago, and though I never really knew her I hear stories of how wonderful a designer and seamstress she was. Growing up I was always interested in creating unique and beautiful things and that blossomed into a career in design and alterations. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2014 with a BFA in Costume Design, I have worked as a freelance designer and seamstress on many theatrical and dance productions.
My most prominent job as a costume designer is a children’s dance company, Driven 2 Dance. There I design and construct multiple dance costumes for competition dances every year. I also specialize in bridal. Once wedding season comes around I spend my time designing, making and altering wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses. I love working with weddings gowns they are one of the most important pieces of clothing a woman will wear in her lifetime.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Designing and sewing can be extremely fun but it has its difficulties. One of the largest struggles I face is the amount of work that I have on my plate and being the only person to do it. I am a one person company so all of the stresses of time restraint and quantity must be juggled. I love what I do so I usually push thru and get the amount of work done that multiple people would usually handle. Another struggle I face is the unavoidable carpal tunnel that develops from overworked hands. Though carpal tunnel is a struggle it never keeps me from doing what I love, which is sewing and making beautiful clothing.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MLT Design and Alterations – what should we know?
My business specialized in bridal and formal design and alteration. I have a hands-on and intimate approach with all of my clients and their needs which makes me different than a bridal salon or a dress shop. Since I do not take on as many clients as a typical shop I can exert more time and creative energy on making everything perfect. I also specialize in dance costumes so I am very familiar with comfort and fit in a garment. Many of my past clients have come to me for not just wedding attire but for everyday alterations and projects. I am more than just a bridal or costume seamstress, I handle everyday needs.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have many people that have helped me get to where I am today. My mother is one of the main reasons I started to sew. She used to make my designs for me when I was younger which lead me to eventually start making my designs on my own. Another individual that has gotten me where I am today was my co-designer, Autumn. She and I started making weddings gowns for our friends and that branched off into me turning to wedding and alterations as a career path.
The woman that has played the largest role in my success is Tiffany. She runs the dance studio I work with and over the years she has pushed me to improve my skills and my abilities as a seamstress. Her confidence in my abilities and talents have allowed me to create beautiful things that I never knew I was capable of doing.
Pricing:
- Wedding Gown Alterations: $100-$400
- Custom Wedding Gown: $2,000-$5,000 (includes fabric, construction and alteration)
- Custom Dresses: $250-$1,500
- Ready to Wear Alterations: $10-$100
- Custom Costumes: $50-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mltdesignalterations.wixsite.com/weddingalterations
- Phone: 314-737-3312
- Email: mltdesignandalterations@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mltdesignandalterations/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moriah-lee-turner-design-and-alterations-chicago?osq=mlt+design+and+alterations
- Other: http://moriahleedesign.webs.com/
Image Credit:
DJ Tanner and Shaina Kasanoff
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