Hidden Gems: Meet Thai Tran of HT Tailor & Alterations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thai Tran.

Hi Thai, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
“I still remember the first time I held a piece of fabric and turned it into something beautiful. I was only 13 years old. While still in school, I began learning sewing at a small tailor shop, where I spent three years practicing every day. That’s where my passion began. I learned how to cut and sew all kinds of garments—pants, dresses, skirts, and suits—and I knew this would become my life’s work.

At just 19 years old, I opened my own small shop and had two people working with me. It was a big step for me, and I was proud to create something of my own at such a young age.

Later, my journey brought me to the United States, where my family had moved. Starting over in a new country was not easy. There were language barriers and many challenges, but I kept going. I was fortunate to work alongside my older sister, who owned a tailoring shop. She worked incredibly hard, and watching her taught me the true meaning of dedication and resilience.

The shop has been part of the community for over 25 years, and my sister had been running it for many years after taking over from a previous owner. Recently, due to health reasons, she decided to retire earlier than expected. I was honored to take over the business—HT Tailor—and continue what she built. After working with her for so many years, it felt like continuing a family legacy.

Today, I run HT Tailor with passion and pride. I currently have two team members, and I hope to continue growing my business—expanding my team and serving more people in the community.

One of the most meaningful parts of my work is helping brides feel beautiful and confident on one of the most important days of their lives. Every wedding dress is special, and I put my heart into every detail to make sure it fits perfectly and looks elegant. Seeing my customers happy is the most rewarding part of what I do.

From a young girl learning in a small shop to owning my own business today, this journey has shaped who I am. Tailoring is not just my career—it is my passion, my purpose, and my way of bringing joy to others. I am truly grateful for how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for what the future holds for HT Tailor.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has not always been easy. There were many challenges along the way, especially when I first came to the United States. Starting over in a new country was difficult. I had to adjust to a new language, a different culture, and a completely new way of life. Communication was one of the biggest challenges for me in the beginning.

Running a business also comes with its own pressures. There are long hours, a lot of responsibility, and sometimes stressful situations—especially during busy seasons like prom and wedding time. Managing customers, deadlines, and maintaining high-quality work all at the same time can be challenging.

Another challenge was taking over the shop from my sister. It was a big responsibility to continue what she had built over many years. I wanted to make sure I could maintain the same level of trust and quality for our customers.

However, through all these challenges, I never gave up. I kept working hard, learning, and improving every day. I believe that these obstacles made me stronger and helped me grow—not only as a business owner, but also as a person. Today, I am proud of how far I have come.

We’ve been impressed with HT Tailor & Alterations, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
HT Tailor is a professional alterations shop specializing in everyday clothing, suits, wedding suits, and a wide range of special occasion dresses, including prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride and groom dresses, wedding gowns, and formal wear. We do not offer custom tailoring—we focus on high-quality alterations only.

Our strength is attention to detail, experience, and achieving the best fit for each customer. We are especially proud of our work on wedding gowns and formal wear, helping customers feel confident and beautiful for their most important moments.

We are committed to providing reliable, high-quality service and making every customer satisfied

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is seeing my customers feel confident and beautiful, especially during important moments like weddings or special events. When a dress fits perfectly and I see their smile, it makes all my hard work worth it.

I also feel happy knowing that I am doing something I truly love. Tailoring has been my passion since I was young, and being able to continue this work every day brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.httailor.com/
• Facebook: HT tailor
• Other: (937) 434-6466