We’re looking forward to introducing you to Symiah Saulsberry. Check out our conversation below.
Symiah, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I’d say the last time I felt true joy was about a week ago. A bride came in after having her dress altered at another shop in Atlanta, where unfortunately, the seamstress had done a not so good job. With just two weeks left before her wedding, she reached out to me in a panic, hoping I could fix it.
When she arrived for her fitting, it was clear she was carrying more than just dress stress—she had recently experienced two significant family losses, on top of other life challenges. She was overwhelmed.
Normally, when I have to completely redo a wedding gown—especially one that’s already been altered—I charge almost double. It’s a time-intensive process to reverse and correct someone else’s work. But something in my spirit said, “Just be a blessing.”
When she came to pick up the dress and tried it on, it fit beautifully. She looked in the mirror and smiled—really smiled, for the first time during the entire process. After she changed back and I had the dress packed up, I told her, “You’re all set.”
She instinctively reached for her wallet, not quite understanding. I repeated gently, “No, you’re all set. Have a beautiful wedding day.”
That’s when the tears started. She stood there, crying—not just for the dress, but for the kindness, the relief, the moment of grace.
That moment brought me so much joy. It reminded me why I do what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Signature Struts is an evening and bridal wear alterations studio with one mission: to make every client feel beautiful, one dress at a time.
I began teaching myself how to sew at just 14 years old, and over the years, what started as a passion has grown into a thriving business. Today, Signature Struts is more than just an alteration shop — it’s a space for creativity, confidence, and community.
In addition to custom alterations, I teach sewing classes and proudly award annual scholarships to high school seniors pursuing degrees in creative arts.
My shop has been ranked one of the best in Georgia, and I’m excited to be expanding into a larger space on January 1st, 2026.
I truly love what I do and the incredible people I’ve met along the way — many of my clients have become like family.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of myself that has served its purpose — and now needs to be released — is my need to please everyone. In this new chapter of my life, I’m choosing to live for me. Life is too short, and we’re all just a breath in time. It’s time to honor my own voice, my own joy, and let go of the weight of other people’s expectations.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were many times I wanted to give up. That feeling of doubt, of wondering if it’s all worth it — I think most people face it at some point. But for me, the fear ran deeper. I had taken a leap, leaving everything familiar behind, and if my plan didn’t work, I had no safety net. Georgia is far from home, and failure would’ve meant starting over with nothing.
But in those moments of fear, I reminded myself why I started. I couldn’t afford to quit. So I dug deep and made it my mission to create a way — even when there was no clear path in front of me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You don’t owe everyone access to you, even family.
Many people are taught that love, loyalty, and obligation—especially toward family—should be unconditional. But the truth is, not all relationships are healthy, and not all people, even relatives, deserve unlimited access to your time, energy, or peace.
Setting boundaries doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you self-aware. Protecting your mental and emotional well-being is not just a right — it’s a responsibility to yourself.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That faith without works is dead and that it’s okay to go against cultural norms to be who you were called to be. Even if it’s at the expense of friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Signaturestruts.com
- Instagram: @signaturestruts
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