For Lansing resident Elizabeth McMurray, her alteration shop is more than just a shop. It’s a platform to speak to the community. Liz’s Alteration Shop has been in the same spot for 35 years. Well wishes, thank you cards and customer photos line the walls of her shop.? “I consider them my friends, and I consider their kids my kids,” McMurray said.? McMurray considers her sewing skills a gift from God.

She writes presidents and other political figures prayers regardless of political party. She’s received letters from every president since Eisenhower, with the exception of President Barack Obama.? After winning a blue ribbon for sewing an apron when she was seven, the apron became a family symbol to her.