What does Meraki mean and how do I pronounce it?
Mer-(rhymes with her)-ock - ee Art EES
Meraki rhymes with the word hockey.
Meraki is a Greek adjective that describes doing something with soul, creativity, love and passion. The Modern Greeks describe this as putting yourself into whatever you are going. My name is Diana. I have Greek heritage, and Meraki is a word that sums up how much I pour into my work. I take each client very seriously and do my absolute best to make sure brides are happy!
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How do I book?
You can book an appointment here at Calendly. Appointments must be booked through Calendly.com to secure your fitting.
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How soon can I book?
You can book as far in advance as you'd like to ensure you get the date and time that is most convenient for you. We ask for at least 12 weeks in advance of your wedding for alterations. If you need custom designs, please contact us. For more information on timelines, please continue reading below.
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Does it cost more for you to come to me?
There is a $50 non-refundable booking fee which is applied to alterations if they are held in-studio or will be used as a one-time travel fee for all in-home fittings. You do not have to pay $50 every appointment, only for the first appointment booked to hold your times. Next appointments are booked for free at the end of the first appointment.
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How long are appointments?
Bridal appointments typically take approximately 60 minutes. Bridesmaids typically take about 30 minutes.
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Where are you located?
Meraki Artis has one studio in Wellington, Ohio and one studio in Toledo, Ohio. Typically work is done at the Wellington, Ohio studio. Both locations are by appointment only. Walk-ins are NOT accepted. We also offer in-home appointments.
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How much time do you need for alterations?​
For March to October weddings, please allow 12 weeks of turnaround time before your wedding. The final appointment will be 2 weeks before your wedding or before you are leaving for a destination wedding. Outside of those months, lesser time is needed to fulfil alterations. If you have an emergency, please contact us right away. ​
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Can I book evenings/weekends?
Yes.
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How far do you travel?
I do not have a radius. I travel nationwide. Client pays costs of fuel, air travel, and lodging for out-of-state appointments.
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Do you have a minimum?
There is no minimum. However, if minor work needs to be done, an appointment will ideally be made for a time when a seamstress is in your location or in you may come to the Wellington Studio by appointment only. For a bridesmaid hem only, we strongly recommend coming to the studio as they are usually completed on the spot.
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How much are alterations?
Alterations vary on scope of work. Heavily beaded gowns, lace hems, and customizations to dresses are typically the most expensive. Most alterations cost between $300 and $850. Alterations could be significantly less or more depending on scope of work. You can always send a picture and a general idea of what you are looking to have done for a preliminary quote which is subject to change at the fitting if more or less alterations are actually needed.
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What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
If a deposit was made and you cancel, the deposit is nonrefundable. If a deposit was made and you need to reschedule, the deposit will be saved for the new appointment. Please remember that seamstresses book up fast and a reschedule may not be guaranteed. I do ask for at least 24 hours notification because I only take a certain amount of brides per month and since I travel, time and gas is involved in taking your appointment. If you must reschedule or cancel, please contact us right away. If you are going to be late, please let us know as soon as possible.
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I was told not to book before X date, but I see times are available. Can I book those open spots?
No. The open spots are typically drive time from one appointment to another and allow for clients and seamstresses a buffer incase appointments go over or someone may be late. This also can account for sewing time in the studio.
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What is the best way to contact Meraki Artis?
Facebook messenger or a text/call. Our phone number is 440-935-3383. Please allow time to respond since we may be in an appointment.
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What are services you offer?
Services are limited to bridal and formal wear. These services include but are not limited to hems, taking in/out sides, bustles, cups, straps, sleeves, neckline changes, train removal, inserting/removing layers, beading, modesty panels, corset installs, button insertion, sleeve length, and steaming. We do not offer dress cleaning at this time, but do have access to dress preservation through a third party company. We do not specialize in men's clothing such as vests, tuxedo, suiting, jackets, etc. All alterations are completed through the seamstresses discretion. If we suggest not doing an alteration, but the alteration is insisted, a waiver must be filled out by the client.
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When is payment due?
Payment is due in full at the end of the first fitting. Accepted payments include Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Check, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle.
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Do you take the dress that day?
Yes. All articles needing alterations will be taken back to the studio the day of the first fitting.
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Can I book my bridal party?
Yes. If you book your bridal party together in one appointment, they will all receive 20% off of their alterations. Length of each bridesmaid appointment is typically 30 minutes.
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I have dogs/cats/etc?
That is perfectly fine as long as they are out of the way for the appointment. This is for safety as well as preserving the dress.
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Is Meraki Artis insured?
Yes.​
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Why may my appointment be changed?
There are certain times an appointment would need to be changed from Meraki Artis which would be discussed by both parties. We do everything we can to avoid changing appointments made by customers, however some reasons include:
-Slingshot driving back and forth from one city to another and back again. A seamstress may ask you to switch a time to condense travel time.
-Insufficient drive time: Clients are encouraged to set their own appointments at their convenience. Occasionally appointments may need to be moved to accommodate ample drive time in between.
-No address given in appointment. You must give a full address. "My Home", "City", "My Friend's House", "124 Anywhere" without a zip code and/or St, Avenue, Blvd may result in a reschedule, late appointment, or a canceled appointment. Typically we will only reschedule or cancel these if we cannot get a hold of you for clarification.
-Incase the seamstress or you are sick.
-If there is not enough time to reschedule an appointment that the client scheduled and cannot make, the client may need to come to the Wellington studio to make up that appointment. It is very important to keep appointments as much as possible to help seamstresses and other clients stay on schedule.
-An appointment before yours was rescheduled leaving a lengthy gap between appointments. A seamstress may reach out asking if you would like to move your appointment up to an earlier time which you are NOT obligated to do.
-Inclement weather. Clients and seamstresses both have the discretion to not travel in any weather condition they do not feel is safe. Please let the other party know as soon as possible.
-Safety: Seamstresses maintain the right to leave the premises if at anytime regarding safety issues including but not limited to mold, animal feces, structural issues, slick/snow covered walkways and stairs, threatening environments, unsafe lighting, aggressive animals, etc.
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PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be used to stay on schedule for the seamstresses when traveling. Communication is very important from the client and the customers. Traffic, illness, school delays, etc. can cause either party to be running a bit late. Therefore, a 15 minute grace period is given.
For example: Client schedules a 1pm appointment. Seamstress is stuck in rush hour. Seamstress will contact the bride to let them know the ETA. -OR- Customer schedules a 1pm appointment. Client is waiting on child to get out of school. Client will contact Meraki Artis to let them know their ETA. Within 15 minutes of the 1pm (1:15pm), the normal appointment time is still valid. However after 15 minutes, a reschedule may be needed to be made depending on the schedule of each party.
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If you have any further questions, please contact Meraki Artis at anytime.
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