Hej, I’m Cassie
Project Engineer,
Ideation Specialist,
Workhorse
…aaaaand CEO, Apparel Manufacturer,
Design Consultant, Problem Solver
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I love to dream big and see those dreams into reality.
It all started with opening my store at 22 years old, turning my apparel brand from a small, handmade label into a full-scale manufacturing operation, all the while building community around events, business initiatives, and creative possibilities.
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I am the creative director of dozens of annual events, and I engage at a civic level by supporting small business development through grant writing, leadership, and ideation.
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In short: I am a problem solver, a workhorse, and quick-on-my-feet.
Work With Me
Altar
Since 2010, Altar has been the flagship store for my apparel line, Altar Houseline. Altar is also home to hundreds of independent manufacturers from all over the United States, lovingly curated for a design-driven experience.
Our physical brick-and-mortar store is located at 81 SE Yamhill St, and our online store is a dropshipping site that supports hundreds of amazing artists alongside our apparel line.
Our apparel is proudly manufactured by us, in Portland, OR
Events
Event Production and Community Organizing have become a life force to me.
Bringing these ideas to life has been a facet of my creative career that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
I serve as Creative Director and Executive Producer.
Teaching and Consultancy
In 2021, I completed a Master in Education so that I can develop curriculum that supports students of all ages. I have taught secondary and college-level, as well as developing multiple programs to support students entering the creative and manufacturing space. My college seminars, in particular, have been widely attended by aspiring small business owners in the fashion sector.
Bringing my collegiate background in language into union with my creative side has been a dynamic way to be true to myself. I have taught ELA, Social Studies, Apparel Design, and Small Business / Professional Development.
I used my skills in community organizing to acquire publicly funded grants to support the development of multiple programs to support students.
Creative Projects
From Costume Design for NW Dance Project, to Artist Residency at Museum Of Contemporary Craft, to wardrobe/set styling dozens of shoots... to being in a post punk band.
Creative Projects are my LIFE.
My work has been featured in: Vogue, Portland Art Museum, Byrdie, Elle, Marie-Clare, and more.
Project Management and Engineering
At some point, all this creative energy had to pivot into translatable corporate skills such as:
PMP Project Management Training, Change Leadership, Tech
Stack Proficiencies, Website Development.
Patterning and Apparel Design
Apparel Support: Pattern Making,
Tech Pack Development, Sourcing,
Margin Evaluation, Cut/Sew Contract
Sewing, Design, Grading for Straight
and Plus Sizes, Supply Chain
Management
Press For My Work
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Portland Fashion’s Mini-Mogul Cassie Ridgway
PDX Monthly Magazine
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PSU Virtual Seminar
PSU Textile Arts
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Hawthorne Boulevard artist aims to help other young creatives stick in Portland
The Oregonian
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Our 6 Favourite Items to Shop at Altar
Good On You
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15 Women-Owned Ethical Fashion Brands
Medium
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10 Eco (And Plus-Size!) Friendly Designers To Make Earth Day Everyday
Ravishly
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10 Plus Sized Ethical Brands We Are Loving For Summer
Eco Hub
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Spotlight On: Altar
SwatchOn
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Night one of Open Season was devoted to Altar with their sheer panels and textured prints.
Portland Mercury
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What You May Have Missed at the Alley 33 Fashion Event
Portland Mercury
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Size-Inclusive Brands That Cater to Ultra-Stylish Women Sized 6X or Larger
Byrdie
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Fashioning Cascadia Artist in Residence: Cassie Ridgway
Museum of Contemporary Craft
Dive in!
If there is one thing I’ve learned as a CEO, it is that you cannot be afraid of what you don’t know. The will to learn as you go and apply your cascade of proficiencies will drive evolution and growth. Walk in stupid, walk out accomplished.
