Check Out Danielle Park’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Park.

Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
I began sewing at 8 years old through the local 4-H program, learning from a friend through my club at first and later becoming a mostly self-taught seamstress through years of practice. Sewing became an outlet for my creativity and a constant opportunity to challenge myself and develop new skills. As someone who has always loved fashion, clothing, and design, I fell in love with the art of sewing and creating. 

In my senior year of high school, I began setting up at Jam’s Monthly Markets (an amazing local craft market) to sell handmade baby and toddler clothing and other small items. I also set up a small sign listing other services I offered, including alterations. I found out quickly how needed this service is in this area. Alterations quickly became a love of mine, being able to take poorly fitting clothing and transform it into something that boosts my client’s confidence is extremely rewarding. I opened my storefront in Downtown Tiffin in July of 2021, two months after graduating high school, and have experienced immense support since then! 

I continued to discover how incredibly needed seamstress work is as I became overwhelmed with work year-round. I began altering more and more wedding gowns and other formal wear, which is one area of clothing that will always need to be altered, and special care and skill are always needed to alter it correctly. 

Once I discovered that there was more than enough bridal and formal business to go around, I decided to transition my services to bridal and formal alterations only in early 2023, which has given me enough time to also dive into bespoke formal wear and heirloom wedding gown transformations. I love working with brides, bridal parties, and other wedding guests, along with prom and homecoming girls! 

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?
It has been much smoother than expected, but definitely not easy. Starting my business only a couple of months out of high school was the best decision I could’ve made as it allowed me to get an early start, get established, and discover what I enjoy most within seamstress work so I could specialize my services only two years into opening my doors. However, at the beginning, my work/life balance was non-existent. I was so overwhelmed with sewing work immediately, which is something to be grateful for, but it also threatened to cause me burnout way too early into my entrepreneurship journey. Thankfully, this forced me to establish boundaries and grow my business into something that works for me. 

Another struggle was constantly outgrowing the space I was working out of. I first moved into the Laird Arcade (a beautiful antique building in the heart of Downtown Tiffin) into a small space where I both held my fittings and did all of the sewing work. One rack of work turned into three, and I was looking for a bigger space within months of opening for business. After separating my sewing room from my client’s space and moving that workroom two times within a single year, I have found my dream space situation! I am still located in the Laird Arcade, but my client space and showroom are in my original space on the first floor, while my spacious dream workspace is on the second floor. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work as a full-time bridal seamstress. This means I get to bring the bride’s dreams to life through a perfectly fitting gown. Every dress needs to be altered since every human body is so unique, and wedding dress designers just make dresses for standard sizing. Formal dresses fit a lot differently than everyday clothing, so the alterations usually have to be quite extensive. 

I specialize in bridal gown alterations, but recently, I have become more known for heirloom wedding gown transformations and rehearsal outfits. For example, multiple times in 2023, I have created outfits for wedding rehearsals and receptions and getting ready robes, all from the bride’s mother’s or grandmother’s old wedding dress! This is what I’d like to continue to specialize in and be known for in 2024. 

I am most proud of how I’m able to make brides feel once I complete their gown alterations or custom designs. This is definitely what keeps me going when I am in the middle of my busiest seasons. 

Personally, I am most proud of how I was able to find a career that keeps me happy and fulfilled so quickly out of high school. 

I am different from others because I provide a full alterations experience and make sure my customers feel listened to, comfortable, and important throughout the whole process. Many brides are going through a lot of stress at this time in their lives, and alterations should not add to that stress. I also work every day to create a body-positive and safe space for every client to feel their best and to feel as special as they are! 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people may not know is that I decided to open my own business between the first and second semesters of my senior year of high school. Up to this point, I was planning on attending Kent State University to major in either Fashion Design or Costume Design. I had even taken all of the gen-ed classes that were needed for the program as College Credit Classes in my junior and senior years of high school! I am so glad that I made the choice I did! 

Contact Info:

• Website: yourswitheverystitch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourswitheverystitch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourswitheverystitch/

Image Credits
K. Bodart Photography
JD Breidenbach