She eventually worked her way up to selling and making alterations , becoming the shop 's first black sales clerk and tailor .
Around the same time , Valdes began working as a stock girl at a high - end boutique .
Valdes eventually worked Valdes ' way up to selling and making alterations , becoming the shop 's first black sales clerk and tailor .
Around the same time , Valdes began working as a stock girl at a high - end boutique .