Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirna Vega.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
During the pandemic, I suddenly found myself out of work. For two months, I had no income and no clear idea of what to do next. One day, my friend, Natalia Ugalde, said to me, “Why don’t you start your own business? You know how to work so well.” I asked myself, What more can I lose if I don’t try? So I decided to go for it.
I had no idea how I was going to make it work – I just started. Things began to unfold along the way, each challenge teaching me something new and helping me improve. I began with no clients at all; it was the middle of the pandemic, and there were no events where anyone needed my services. So, I began creating and selling reusable face masks. The demand for them was huge! No one could find them, so I took the opportunity and began. I gained my first few clients that way as they learned that I actually do alterations and the economy started stabilizing. Slowly, through word of mouth, I started to get referrals.
From the beginning, my focus has always been quality, and that remains true today. My clients are always happy with my work, and their satisfaction is the reason I’ve been able to stand strong and keep growing ever since.
But truly my story began when I was seven years old. I would go to local shops asking for any fabric scrap they could spare to sew dress for my dolls. At twelve years of age, I made my first full dress. I would make my own school uniforms and make clothes for my family. At high school graduation, I made my own graduation dress and the dresses for five of my closest friends. All this without having studied a career, everyone was impressed of my ability to created different designs. Later, after graduation, I didn’t have the opportunity of going to college. My parents couldn’t afford it, so I decided to move into the city. I worked as a full time nanny for a kind family that took me in. My desire to study dressmaking only grew, never extinguished. So I enrolled, I study what was my passion and payed for it myself. I work full time as a nanny while going to school. I loved it and had the support of that kind family. Finally, I graduated in what I was my passion!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having a balance between my personal life and work has been my greatest challenge. I’ve faced many challenges along the way, but this one takes the crown. When you run your own business, it often feels like you have to do everything yourself – managing clients, doing the labor, knowing what goes in and out, and keeping it organized so you don’t miss a step. It takes effort and at times it can feel overwhelming. There’s been times where I’ve overlooked my well being and my personal life for focusing on work and the responsibilities that come with it. I continue learning how to walk that fine line to have a healthy work-life balance. I’ve set measures in place to relief some pressure, changed my hours to accommodate time for myself, giving myself space to reset. It’s not easy, but little by little, I’m finding my rhythm.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a seamstress and I own and maintain a business specializing in the alteration of textiles. I do everything from replacing buttons to more involved tailoring and repair work, everything but making clothing from scratch—I have the ability, but not the time to create bespoke clothing.
I am known for caring about my customers and being passionate about the work that I do. My customers are comfortable around me, that allows them to be vulnerable and allow me to adjust their clothing so that they feel their best. They put their trust in me, and I do not take it lightly.
I am proud of the reputation that I have built. I do not advertise, and all new business comes to me as a result of my clients recommending me.
My commitment to quality is what sets me apart from others—I am not a dry cleaner that also does alterations, I am completely dedicated to adjusting clothing in the way that makes my customers happy, and with quality that ensures that they will remain happy for years to come.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can always find me in my shop located in Greenville! The address is 1528 Evans St STE B, Greenville, NC 27834. I would love for people to share their photos on socials, it’s always a joy to see the results!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lotusalterations.com
- Instagram: @lotus_alterations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bkwgvvd3p/
Image Credits
A huge thanks to everyone! Kate Cherry, The Greenville Muesum of Art, Vanessa Monter-Vega, Jackie Beltran, Noelia Davila, Jim and Suzanne Chesnutt, and Juliet Peña.
