Everyday fixes to formal fittings

TIFFIN – Local seamstress Jenny Hale's business The Secret Seamstress has not quite a year of being open and continues to thrive. "The sewing I started when I was really young," she said of learning to sew and do alterations. "I was probably 5 when my mom taught me basic sewing skills. But then when I was 19, I got a job at a well-known bridal and prom store where I lived in Minerva. They hired me on to train me how to work on the gowns." From there, Hale said she worked backward, figuring out different sewing skills on her own. "I like to fix things and I like sewing, so it (the business) was the perfect blend." Hale's business back in Minerva started in 2013, and ran until 2018. "I had a friend who worked for a guy who owned some property and she said there was a spot becoming available that was an incubator like the Laird," she explained. "It was super cheap rent, the space was 9x9. Then the newspaper did a new business article for me in the Sunday paper and like Danielle (Park) I was the only one (seamstress) in the county." On her first day of operation in Minerva, Hale said she received around 50 phone calls. "People were bringing me loads of stuff. I didn't even have time to catch my breath." She spent a year in the smaller room before moving downstairs. During the move, Hale began dress consignment, something she hopes to bring to Seneca County, which she was able to alter herself. "My girls were little, and they kept wondering when mommy was going to come home," she said of ending her previous business. "My family needed me; my husband was sick. It was right before COVID, so I got out just in time. My husband passed away during COVID. I'm glad that I voluntarily left the business instead of feeling like I had to. I was able to turn it over to a girl that worked for me." When she moved to Tiffin after marrying her husband who is from Tiffin, a year and a half ago, she introduced herself to Danielle Park of Yours With Every Stitch. "I was getting to know her (Park) and eventually she let me know that a space was opening here (in the Laird Arcade) if I ever wanted to get back into it (being a seamstress) because she was turning people away," Hale said. "She was always more busy than she could handle." Hale took advantage of the opportunity and opened her own business last July. She has been "pleasantly surprised" at how well business at The Secret Seamstress has been going. Park has sent many clients Hale's way as Park is fully booked often, focusing on bridal and formal wear. "I am surprised that there is that much of a need for everyday things like hemming pants or fixing a zipper," she said. As for customers, Hale estimates that she has served hundreds of people. The top three requests she receives are for hemming pants, fixing zippers and men's tailoring. She told the A-T she would be running specials 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. March 23. The specials are: buy a gift card for $100 and get $25 free and buy one get one free for sewing lessons. "I love it," Hale said of Tiffin. "To me, it's a big city because every place I've lived was small." Walk-ins are welcome to The Secret Seamstress, 120 ½ S. Washington St. Ste. 215, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments for dress fittings can be made by calling 419-608-8074. The Secret Seamstress offers sewing lessons to people of all ages, all genders and all skill levels. Hale also offers private or group lessons. The following are lessons available: Beginner Refresher Experiences Learn to use your own machine How to follow a pattern Guided lesson Contact Hale at 419-608-8074 for more information on lessons. Editor's note: Make sure to check inside for more stories like this in the annual Progress 2024: Business & Industry section.