Sharon Hanks
A Jamaican native extensively trained as a professional tailor has opened his own business at 937 Leonard St. NW in Grand Rapids called Dave's Alterations.
Owner David Smith says he trained fulltime for three years at a trade school in Jamaica before arriving in Grand Rapids in 1998.
"I love it," says Smith about the profession he's practiced for 15 years. "I do mostly alterations on jackets, skirts and even wedding dresses." Of course, Smith will also replace broken zippers, hem skirts and pants, and custom-make suits and dresses. In addition to this, he'll custom-make draperies for home or office.
Before leasing the vacant space for his business, Smith says he worked as a tailor at Hudsons (now Macy's) at Woodland Shopping Center and most recently at The Men's Warehouse in Grandville. He also worked on contract for Jurgens & Holtvluwer on Eastern Avenue SE.
He selected a Westside location because he lives in the neighborhood and enjoys the support area businesses have shown him since he opened his doors. "I like the district," he says. "It's pretty cool and everybody knows everybody!"
Dave's Alterations is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Walk-ins are always welcome.
Source: David Smith, owner of Dave's Alterations, Grand Rapids
Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids
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