 I
was born in Connecticut, but went to college in South Carolina where I earned
a BS in Home Economics. I got a job in a Piece Goods fabric store where
I worked for about 2 years. I got a better job in an Alteration shop where
the owner taught me anything I wanted to learn. She was a great mentor and
I developed the desire to be like her. When I moved to North Carolina I
got a job doing alterations for a new bridal salon opened by a lady who
did floral arranging in her kitchen and thought if she could do that why
not have a full service salon for all the bride's needs. I had only worked
on one bridal gown in my previous job, but the confidence I got from the
way my boss treated me and the techniques she taught me enabled me to become
a skilled bridal seamstress in no time. For the next 3 years we built
a great bridal salon that really did it right for the customer.
After the first year I rented a space upstairs from the bridal salon
where I continued to fulfill the needs of the bridal salon and began to
take in street customers. During very busy times, like wedding/prom season
I've had as many as 4 employees. About 2 years later a friend of mine
opened an upscale fabric store and offered me the back room to relocate
my shop. I and the 2 employees I had at the time moved the shop and we
started sewing for the fabric store along with the street customers. At
a time when my 2 remaining employees had to move out of state, I decided
to move to Ohio, get married, and set up my business in my home.
One kid and 4 moves later, I was still working out of my Home
Sewing Studio in the basement of my home. I do mostly clothing alterations
for the Talbots stores in town and
private clients who come to my home. I have also made faux fur coats,
costume cloaks and capes, and dabbled in historical
costuming. I've made custom designed outfits for dancers - including
myself. (I needed a new hobby so I started taking belly
dancing lessons) I like the many facets to my business because I get
bored easily. About the only thing I don't want to do is windows!
1999 update -
This past year I found myself needing back surgery and moving my business
from my basement studio to a very small bedroom
studio. Once I recovered from the move and the surgery, I decided
to take up Bellydancing.
To any one out there facing back surgery please accept a virtual hug
from me!
2000 update -
I've moved again. My studio has grown a little to a nice
space that gives me more options for fitting customers. My life has
changed a lot, but I'm sewing mostly the same.
2001 update -
Well, I didn't think I would ever be saying this, but I'm going to be
moving again! My Dad decided to join us here in Ohio and we are house
hunting for something big enough to hold us all and give me a nice space
to make a decent studio. Wish us luck :)
2002 update -
My New (how many times have I said that) Studio is almost finished. Only
a few minor details left so I've gone ahead and taken pictures.
It's been a long journey! From finding out that the basement of the house
my parents bought was not water proofed like the disclosure statement
said to delays and redo's 'til now it's not been easy, but I have a really
nice work space now. Renting the basement from my parents gives us interesting
tax benefits. What's extra nice is that I also have a small dance studio
space to practice.
2003 update -
The next big development in my life - I have decided to make my hobby
a side profession. I have often said that when you convert your hobby
into a profession, you need to get a new hobby. So after I started my
sewing business I took on dance as a hobby. Now, I have added Leanna's
Dance Studio to my site. I guess this means I'll be looking for a
new hobby. Any suggestions?
2004 update -
I've added The Bridal Studio to my site.
I have been doing more and more bridal work and have decided to set up
this section of my site for brides to do research on anything gown related.
As they write in questions for me to discuss topics they are interested
in the site is growing.
2005 update -
Well, I decided to try Ballroom Dance as my new hobby. I'm having lots
of fun. If you have not tried this, you need to.
2006 update -
As my bridal customer base increases, I have spent more time developing
this studio on my site more than the others. This April I have announced
my first teaching DVD
on basic bustling for wedding gowns. I hope to do a sequel to it soon
and other topics in the realm of clothing alteration.
2007 update -
This has also been
a very unexpected year. I decided to end my association with the Talbot
stores in Cincinnati. It was not an easy decision but I am glad I did
it. I hope this will give me more time to create new DVD's.
2008 update-
Not much to report this year for myself but I have noticed an interesting trend in my brides. More weddings are being scheduled for the Fall season. This is interesting but not at all unwelcome. It has made my work load more eben through the year.
2009 update -
I've decided to make a change in my studio. I redesigned the room we were using for a dining room into a fitting room with a nice dressing area. It's right off the side door so when you walk into the house, you are in the studio, instead of having to walk through the dining area and down the stairs. I think it will be a great asset to customers who didn't like using the stairs. Pictures here: http://www.leanna.com/stitch/NewBasement.htm
Thanks for visiting my site,
Leanna Bavara Farashee
 
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