Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Kallaur.
Hi Amanda , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started at the age of 11, when I decided to make my Halloween costume. I made a Belle costume by hand since I didn’t have a sewing machine. I discovered I had a natural knack for sewing. My parents bought me a sewing machine that Christmas and I have been sewing ever since. 20 years later and it is my absolute passion. Sewing remained my hobby as I took a couple of different paths before I was set on this one. I went to law school for a semester and decided it was not what I wanted to pursue as a career. However, this detour was very beneficial to owning a business in the end with taking contract law and legal writing classes. I returned to Charleston and started a masters program in Intelligence and Security studies. While doing this, I started a working as a seamstress at an alterations shop. The second day on the job, I was handed a wedding dress and have specialized in them ever since. I stopped pursuing the masters degree and committed to pursing my calling. In 2019, at the age of 25, I left my position and opened my first alterations shop, The Queens of Seams, a co-owned business. I had no savings at the time and just took a leap of faith, opening the business. It ended up being the best decision I’ve made. I’ve remained in business and I am able to do what I love every day. The shop went on to become one of the highest rated alterations shop in Charleston. After several years, I decided to open a solo venture. My current shop is Once Upon a Seam where I continue specializing in wedding and formal dresses.
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?
Owning a business is never a smooth road, however, I find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. One of the struggles I have faced is the rising costs of owning a business in the Charleston area. The cost of rent has exponentially increased over the years. It’s always a struggle remaining profitable in an area like this where rent is doubling to quadrupling even. Another struggle is running the business solo. I manage all operations. From booking appointments to fittings and doing all of the sewing. It gets tough and the hours are long inside and outside of the shop. It is a 24/7 job, but worth it to be doing what I love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Once Upon a Seam is an alterations shop specializing in wedding and formal dresses and general womenswear. Each piece that comes through my shop receives my upmost care and attention to detail. I’m a perfectionist and this shows in my work. I make sure each and every item is up to my highest standards. Since I am a solo shop, all fittings and pickups are by appointment only.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is my quality of work. I want to be proud of the work that I’m putting out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onceuponaseamstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaseamstudio?igsh=MWpmcnQ2Mmd3enpycQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQoDM15QG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
