Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona “Romi” Ortega.
Hi Romi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I fell in love with sewing as a child. My grandmother was a professional seamstress, and when I used to visit her, I dreamed about doing the same as I watched her creating fashion! My parents were from the Dominican Republic. I came to America as a baby when I was nine months old. New York City is where I studied fashion and started my journey in the fashion industry. My love for fashion has given me the opportunity to work in a world I adore and to be inspired by my own work. I have worked in the industry for more than forty years, including making brides’ dreams true. I love to recycle denim and vintage fabrics as I care about the environment. I also love to travel, go to K-pop concerts with my daughters, and take trips with my family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a great adventure, but not easy at all! There are a lot of sacrifices, and you need to keep dreaming and working hard. When I want to quit, I remind myself that this is all I want to do for the rest of my life!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion designer who loves my family and also enjoys cooking. I am passionate about every aspect of fashion, from the beginning to the end of my creations. I’ve worked as a stylist and an expert in alterations for wedding gowns, and I have designed, redesigned, and worked with luxury boutiques and hotels.
I’m now getting ready to join the grand opening of the first Oetker Collection Hotel in the United States, The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach. This is an exciting next step for my career, as I will be in charge of the uniform department as the Head Seamstress. This role is where I will be able to put my years of experience to shine, making sure that everyone—from the guests to my fellow workers—looks their best. I love a challenge, and as I always say, ‘to dream big is what makes you aim for the stars and be able to achieve them because of your hard work and ethic.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When school was over, we used to travel to the Dominican Republic and spend two months with my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and friends. We used to share the best, fond memories, from game nights and making sweets to simply playing hide-and-seek. There’s just something special about family and getting to make and share memories. I believe the creativity of one of my aunts and my grandmother’s talent are the reasons I’m the designer and person I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridalalterationsbyrom/
- Other: bridalalterationsbyromi@gmail.com
