It didn’t take Diana Brazil long to realize she needed more space for her alterations business.
“I started four years ago in a bedroom in my house,” said Brazil, whose SewCo. tailoring business recently moved to 1026 Broad St.
A theater major who found her niche in the costume shop, Brazil parlayed her sewing skills into a business that employs five people, including herself, in only four years. She spent two years working out of her house, and two in downtown Augusta.
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The first space downtown was in a small studio in the Doris Building, and she quickly outgrew that space too. She moved to 1022 Broad St. and then moved next door when it became available. She said she hopes to stay there for a while.
“We love our block,” she said. “Flowers on Broad is nearby.”
Brides come in for a fitting then head to the flower shop to talk about their bouquets.
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SewCo. fills a void. People are accustomed to ready-to-wear clothing. Few garments are tailor-made these days, she said. But clothing doesn’t always fit just right.
The tailors can hem the pair of blue jeans that are too long or make a bridal gown fit in all the right places. They’ve also added extra lace to bridal veils or made other changes to existing clothing. They do not make new items.
Because it’s not a common experience, people can be a little apprehensive, she said. And for some customers, it’s an expensive bridal gown that they are trusting her with.
On average, it takes eight weeks to alter a bridal gown with three separate fittings. She has her own system in place. The first fitting focuses on the upper portion of the gown because that could alter its length.
And having the dress be too short would be one of the worst things to happen.
They also create a bustle for the dress.
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Brazil said that it’s not uncommon to have brides travel to Augusta from other cities, and not nearby cities either. A recent bride purchased her dress in Augusta and flew from Chicago three times to have the alterations done.
Several bridal shops refer their customers to Brazil.
While she has hired other tailors, Brazil said it’s hard to find people who know how to sew. It’s not a common skill. She’s apprenticing someone who has never sewn but learns quickly. The business is all-female, but she’s not opposed to hiring a man. One just hasn’t applied yet.
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To learn more about SewCo., visit sewco.co. or call (706) 855-5559. Store hours are by appointment.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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