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 -
I guess it was inevitable that my new hobby would turn into another side business and I am now teaching Bellydance at the Dance Club where I am taking Ballroom Dancing lessons. 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.

Thanks for visiting my site,

Leanna Bavara Farashee