Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiona Proserpi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first came to Florida in 2010 to improve my English, I was 19. I always loved fashion design and sewing with my grandmother. The English school provided me with a host family to stay with for four months. I was so excited when I found out that my host mother, Renee, is a dressmaker. She offered to teach me dressmaking and pattern making. While getting my bachelor degree at the Art Institute, I worked as an intern at The Little Seamstress. The master seamstresses (and daughters of the founder of the company!) taught me alterations and dressmaking. After graduation, I became an employee and in 2015, I bought The Little Seamstress.
Has it been a smooth road?
After being in the U.S. for five years, I realized I didn’t want to leave. The whole immigration procedure is expensive and time-consuming, however, being in Florida and owning The Little Seamstress was, in my opinion, the best way to do what I love in a community I wanted to invest in and support. The Little Seamstress moved a few times throughout the years, but when I took over the business, I decided that I wanted to move the shop to Oakland Park. I live in Oakland Park and really wanted to support my town (also our rent is more affordable for a bigger space). The move was challenging and I was worried about losing customers but we are very lucky to have loyal customers who followed us to our beautiful new location.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Little Seamstress is an alteration and dressmaking shop. I have my own customers for whom I do alterations, custom pieces, and other projects. It could go anywhere between costumes and phone cases but also bathing suits and ready-to-wear. For the past three years, I’ve been developing close relationships with bridal shops in the all across South Florida. Now, I personally take care of all the wedding gown alterations. I like to work with the brides: I spend a lot of time with them forming great relationships and sometimes even friendships! The expectations are even higher with brides – no matter how beautiful the gown is, if it doesn’t fit properly, it will never look good. It can be challenging working with such expensive delicate clothing, but in the end, it’s worth it. I am always very happy to get pictures from the brides’ big day!
What are your plans for the future?
We moved two years ago, which was a big change for us and our customers.
I definitely want to keep going with wedding gown alterations, which is something relatively new.
A year ago, I started a project with local cyclists. The Little Seamstress is the main sponsor of a social cycling club and race team. We received our jerseys last month (February 2019) and I am super excited and grateful for our club members. I’m proud to say our jerseys advertise local businesses owned by women.
Hopefully, more projects of this type will come my way, as I really like to work with small business owners in the area and – of course – see everyone succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelittleseamstressinc.com
- Phone: 9545639892
- Email: thelittleseamstress1967@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thelittleseamstress
- Facebook: @thelittleseamstressinc
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