About Shirl

My name is Shirl Bathsheba Williams and I am the owner of Philadelphia Bridal Alterations. Being my own boss allows us to design, create, and alter to fit you and every client that walks through that door. Some needs are very simple, while others are much more complex, but it’s seeing the smile on your face or our client’s face with their eyes lit up and the posture in which they stand after putting on the completed garment by Philadelphia Bridal Alterations that makes Philadelphia Bridal Alterations one of the premier studios in the city. It is knowing that you, our client, are satisfied and happy.

Designing, creating one-of-a-kind pieces, and altering formal attire is my passion. I remember sitting on the lap of my mother while she sewed and created garments for herself, family and friends. She began teaching me how to sew when I was 6. By the age of 9, I made my mother a fully lined suit for her birthday that she wore faithfully to work every week until she wore it out. So, I, too, was sewing and designing for other people at a very young age. While in my last year of high school I was asked to make a wedding gown for a friend. She wanted a beaded lace ball gown with big puffy sleeves and a bodice that dipped in the center with a huge long train. I didn't realize at the time that I was learning a skill that would fill my heart, fingers, and imagination with so much joy. That is when I decided I would get a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from Drexel University. While at Drexel, I won Best in Show and came in 3rd place nationally for a submission of a woven design piece.

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Soon after college, I was unable to find a design job in my field, so I went to work for Verizon. While there, I got married and had three beautiful children. I continued to design, make, and alter garments for people at work, my family, and friends. My life altered, and I became a stay-at-home mom.

Later, recognizing that my heart was still in the fashion world, I went to work for a national bridal chain (David’s Bridal) at the corporate store as an Alterations Manager. While working there and honing my skills I went back to school and got my MBA in Marketing. I decided that it was time to start my own business, and Philadelphia Bridal Alterations was born in 2011.