Whitney Pearce of Downtown Leavenworth on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Whitney Pearce shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Whitney, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
The true value of a garment lies in how it fits. For this reason, alterations may sometimes exceed the original purchase price, reflecting the skill and precision required for a perfect finish.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Whitney Pearce—alterations specialist and lifelong creative. Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m passionate about the art of shaping garments into something that makes people feel their absolute best.

Over the past three years, I’ve built Creative Connotations Alterations into its own space here in Leavenworth, KS. Tucked away at 5th Street and Delaware, my sewing studio is where I welcome clients, pin garments, and craft the perfect fit for wedding gowns, ball gowns, suits, and more. My goal is simple: that every client leaves feeling confident, radiant, and excited to wear their piece.

Beyond the studio, I stay deeply involved in the community. I’m an active member of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber’s Women’s Division, and the Fort Leavenworth Spouses’ Club. I also share my love of the arts by teaching sewing and some painting classes at First City Creatives in downtown Leavenworth.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
After 15 years in the classroom, I have realized that it is time to soar to new heights, pursuing opportunities to work for myself while continuing to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. I am passionate about volunteering, supporting scholarship fundraisers, and giving back to the community in a variety of ways where I live and work.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For years, I let the fear of failure hold me back from pursuing the career I truly love; sewing clothing for the perfect fit and caring for people through my craft. It’s hard to believe it took me over 20 years to finally open my own studio and give it the name I had always dreamed of: Creative Connotations. Now, I’m living that dream, pouring my heart into growing my business. As I look ahead, I’m excited to expand into more bridal and formal alterations, embracing the future with gratitude and determination.

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 would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that nothing matters more to me than the happiness of my family: my three children, my partner, my friends and myself. For me, that happiness depends on balance: working hard, pursuing dreams and goals, and guiding my children as they grow so they feel empowered to follow their own paths.

Kennedy, my 12-year-old daughter, often joins me at the sewing table on evenings and weekends, practicing her stitches and creating small items she can sell. Carter, a high school freshman, is beginning to shape his future. He dreams of attending welding school and becoming a skilled tradesman. Connelly, my 19-year-old son and a sophomore at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is focused on maintaining his ROTC scholarship while immersing himself in business studies.

What I want most for my children is to know that happiness comes from pursuing the life that feels right for them, whether that’s a college degree, a self-made venture, or a trade that allows them to master a special skill.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
For me, peace comes when I’m sitting quietly in my sewing studio, carefully working on a dress or garment for a client. As I stitch, I think back to our conversations—their excitement about seeing the finished piece and their anticipation of how much better it will look once it’s complete.

And then comes the most wonderful feeling of all: when a client tries on their outfit and lights up, feeling incredible—like a million bucks—and can’t wait to wear it out into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativeconnotationsalterations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeconnotations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeConnotations/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/creative-connotations-alterations-leavenworth