Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristina Rauscher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have been sewing professionally since 2014, my products really spoke to whatever season of life I was in; I started making baby blankets and burp cloths, which turned to baby carrier accessories, children’s clothing, and eventually custom women’s clothing. While I enjoyed sewing I never had that spark of pride in what I was making. 2020 came, my kids all came home, and I put my business on hiatus to become a homeschooling mom to my four kids.

In fall 2021 I was invited by a jewelry designer friend of mine to accompany her to Chicago Fashion Week, and was given the opportunity to wear my own dress design. The space was full of fierce creative energy, and while I did not enjoy being a model so much, I came home with the sense of, “Why NOT me? Why CAN’T I be the one to bring alternative options to the fashion world?” I started sketching on the plane, got a group of friends together to model, contacted a photographer, and Altered Star Co. was born.

When you walk into boutiques around Northeast Ohio, you typically find the same styles in the same fabrics, as they’re all purchased in bulk from overseas manufacturers. My long term goal with ASCO is to offer small shops and their customers quality handmade options with an alternative twist. My experience with vendor events and runway shows during 2022 proves there is a market for this. Shops want exclusive, unique products that will keep their customers coming back; shoppers want something fresh and new and different.

No two stars are alike, and neither are we. With Altered Star Co., you’re encouraged to shine your own way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

There are so many hurdles small businesses have to manage continually throughout their lifespan. It is no secret the majority of success in the US lies within large corporations. Altered Star Co. is powered exclusively by other small businesses; my fabrics, shipping supplies, machines, every aspect is purchased from other small shops. Every item purchased from ASCO is the culmination of hours of work from the small business community.

While my fabrics and supplies are purchased from other shops, my patterns are not. Each style I offer has been painstakingly hand drafted in accordance with my sizing chart that extends from XS-3XL. Each individual piece is then cut, sewn, photographed, and shipped all by me from our home in Northeast Ohio. My customers are able to speak with me directly about their pieces, ensuring the highest level of quality and service available.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

ASCO is fully funded on my own. While my kids were home during 2020-2021, my custom clothing business was closed. However I was still working on batch sewing children’s clothing items for a few small shops for extra income. I used much of that savings to purchase fabric and open Altered Star Co. in January 2022. Throughout the year I purchased a lot of fabric, worked with a handful of photographers, attended several vendors events, as well as participated as a designer in a few runway shows. All were funded from my website and event sales. While I didn’t pull as much profit as I hoped during the first year, I am looking forward to putting more effort into website sales now I have a solid foundation and a small loyal following.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I had a handful of customers follow me from my previous business selling custom women’s clothing which helped build a good foundation and gauge what were going to be good starting pieces for ASCO. I was also advertising new products in alternative aesthetic groups on Facebook, and on Instagram. But things really started taking off when I attended a few vendor events here in the Cleveland/Akron area! You’ve likely heard “Cleveland against the world” and I have to say,the alternative community really show up for small businesses! I’ve met so many people who truly embraced my style and even started following me around town. One customer came to my last show of 2022 in Akron and yelled from across the aisle, “It’s the headband lady! We were hoping you’d be here!” It was the highlight of my day to be recognized after such a crazy vendor season. NEO weirdos are very supportive of other weirdos and I’m so thankful to feel at home amongst them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alteredstarco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alteredstarco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/alteredstarco

Image Credits
Paige Mireles Photography, Lynn Henley Photography, Eric Gatchalian, Reed Crawford, Weston Mosburg, The Green Photograph