Pins & Needles – 3 Years

On February 2, 2015, Punxsutawney Phil, Groundhog Day weather prognosticator, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. Theresa Carpenter, on the other hand, saw an opportunity to bring a unique business to Saline County and opened Pins & Needles Alterations in Bryant. While Phil’s ability to predict the weather is tenuous at best, Theresa and her staff have proved during the past three years that skillful attention to detail and superior customer service are accurate indicators of future success.

When Theresa opened Pins & Needles Alterations, she wanted to do all sorts of alterations, not just one type. Her services include alterations of all kinds for suits (men, women and children), pants, formal and bridal gowns. Embroidery services include names, initials, clubs, company logos and others. They work with leather, baseball pants, cheer leading uniforms, zippers, buttons, dog toys, some shoes, backpacks, and curtains. They mend holes, do patches, and perform most any other task you could need to make clothing fit and feel as new as possible.

Theresa and her staff are uniquely qualified. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Costume Technology, Theresa worked professionally in the theatre from 1998 to 2008 as a wardrobe supervisor. Her experience grew as she worked in various costume shops all around the country.  Once she left the theatre, doing alterations was a natural progression for her. She worked five years for Von Maur, a national department store chain with thirty-two stores in fifteen states. She became a certified tailor before moving to Arkansas, then functioned as the Alterations Manager at David’s Bridal for five years.

Theresa has enjoyed continued success in her business and is quick to acknowledge the contributions of her talented staff. “I have two incredible employees that I could not do it without. Tamekka and Linda are incredible people that have skills beyond belief. Both have been sewing since they were young and work just as hard, if not harder sometimes, than me.”

She may not be Arkansas born and bred, but Theresa happily claims the state as her new home. “I am originally from Illinois, and went to Millikin University in Decatur.  My family and my sister’s families relocated here because my dad got a job here, and we all love it! I am married to my amazing and supportive husband Brien Carpenter, and we have a daughter.”

When it comes to alterations and any of the services her business offers, Theresa’s motto is, “Just come talk to us. We will try our best to make sure we can accomplish what you are looking for.”