"Stepping into my shop every morning, it's like entering another world, one where every detail counts, from the thread color to the cut of the cloth. People think tailoring’s just about sewing, but it’s as much about listening to the stories that walk through the door—weddings, funerals, first job interviews. Each suit tells a tale, you know? Started this craft in my early twenties, right out of fashion school, fueled by a passion for style and the allure of creating something timeless. Now, decades later, the passion's the same but the eyesight’s a bit weaker, makes those fine stitches tougher. Breakfast is always quick, a croissant and a cup of black coffee, eaten while I sort through fabric samples. Most days, lunch is skipped or it’s just a sandwich grabbed from the deli next door, eaten while I’m pinned to the workbench adjusting a hem or shaping a collar. Afternoons might bring a rush of fittings, clients coming in for a final check before they take their garments—a mix of nerves and excitement fills the air. Evenings, that’s when I wind down, perhaps with a small glass of Scotch and a quiet sit-down with my wife, discussing her day as a school teacher or mine in the shop. We've had our ups and downs, business isn't always steady, and fashion’s fickle, but we manage, find joy in the small victories and comfort in each other’s company. And if you ask about my favorite local dish, it's got to be the shepherd’s pie from Molly’s on Main—simple, hearty, a bit like me. It's the kind of meal that warms you through, much like a well-fitted suit, tailored to perfection, ready to face the world."
