Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Gress
Hi Lena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sewing has been my greatest love for as long as I can remember. It all started when I was six years old. Back then, I didn’t think about sewing as a skill or a craft—it was just magic. I would create outfits for my dolls using whatever I could find around the house. I loved transforming ordinary things into something beautiful. One of my favorite memories is when I used my grandmother’s curtains to make a dress for my doll. I was so proud of my creation, even though I got in a bit of trouble for it. But the memory that stays with me the most is the day I cut into my mom’s favorite baby blue lurex dress. I wanted to create something special, and without really thinking, I cut a circle from the stomach area of her dress. It wasn’t fixable. She cried when she saw it, and I felt terrible. But instead of punishing me, she and my grandma started giving me old clothes to work with. Looking back, I realize how much that moment shaped my life. If I had been punished, I might have given up on sewing.
Instead, they chose to encourage me, and that made all the difference. When I was 12, my grandmother gave me her old, non-electric sewing machine. It was a treasure to me. I spent hours on it, creating, experimenting, and falling even more in love with sewing. Between the ages of 13 and 15, I made three skirts for myself. One of them was so special to me that I wore it until I was 20. In high school, we had a class where girls learned to sew aprons and skirts. I was so confident by then that I ended up helping most of my classmates with their projects. I loved every minute of it.
After graduating, I didn’t even have to think about what I wanted to do with my life. Sewing was my calling. I enrolled in a technical school to study sewing, and for two years, I poured my heart into it. I earned the highest grades because I wasn’t just learning—I was living my passion. During my studies, we were required to work at an industrial sewing company to gain experience. It was there that I learned to work quickly without sacrificing quality. But it wasn’t long before I realized that factory work wasn’t for me. The repetitive nature of doing the same operation over and over wasn’t fulfilling. I wanted to create entire pieces, to bring designs to life from start to finish.
After a year in the factory, I quit and started my own sewing business from home in Ukraine. Working from home allowed me to focus on custom-made clothing and alterations, which I loved. It was exciting to work directly with clients, listening to their ideas and bringing their visions to life.
My life took a dramatic turn when I moved to the U.S. in 2015. I came with my two sons, leaving behind my younger brother, whom I had raised like a son after our mother passed away when I was 18. My mother had been sick most of my childhood, and when she died, I was left to care for my 7-year-old brother while also raising my firstborn, who was just 5 months old at the time. Those years taught me resilience and the importance of family, values that continue to shape my life.
Starting over in America wasn’t easy. I didn’t speak English and had to wait 1.5 years for my legal paperwork before I could work. Once I was able to work, I set up a studio in a loft space, equipped it with sewing machines, and started my business—Orlando Sewing Studio by Seamstress Lena. I chose the name strategically so people could easily find me online. It was a slow start—building a business in a new country where I didn’t know the language or culture was a huge challenge, but I remained patient and determined. It took about a year to become visible on Google, and slowly, my business grew. Today, I offer a wide range of services, from alterations for men and women to creating custom gowns and wedding dresses for clients who want something truly unique.
In 2022, my world was turned upside down again when the war in Ukraine began. My oldest son was in Ukraine at the time and, as a Ukrainian citizen over 18, he couldn’t leave the country. My heart was torn in two. Here in America, I had my youngest son and family. In Ukraine, my oldest son and my brother, along with his family, were in constant danger. It was a terrifying time.
My clients were incredibly supportive as I navigated this crisis. When I made the difficult decision to return to Ukraine to rescue my boys, they stood by me. It was an emotional and uncertain journey. I had to write a notarized legal document giving my husband, my youngest son’s stepfather, full authority to make decisions for him if something happened to me. I didn’t know if I would return.
In March 2023, I had to temporarily close my studio and mark it as closed online. This affected my business, but I don’t regret it. Family always comes first. Now that I’m back, I’m rebuilding with the same determination I’ve always had. I spent five months in Ukraine, facing traumatic and life-threatening situations, but I succeeded in my mission. It was the hardest time of my life, and even now, I still struggle with PTSD. Fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger memories of missile strikes, but I hold onto the comfort of knowing that my family is safe.
Sewing isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. It’s the way I express myself, the way I connect with others, and the way I bring beauty into the world. Today, I continue to offer alterations, custom gowns, and wedding dresses, creating pieces filled with passion and care. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the joy on a client’s face when they try on something I’ve created just for them. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored alteration or a one-of-a-kind gown, every piece I make is filled with love and passion. I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love and to share it with others.
Life hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for my family, my clients, and the opportunity to do what I love every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth, but every bump has shaped who I am and where I stand today. When I moved to the U.S., I thought my journey was just beginning. Instead, I faced a long waiting period of 1.5 years before I could even work, as I waited for my legal paperwork to be processed. It was a time of uncertainty and frustration because I had so much I wanted to give, but my hands were tied. To make things even harder, my English was extremely limited. I started learning it from zero in late 2014, and the simplest conversations were a struggle. I often felt like an outsider, unable to express myself or connect with others.
When I finally got my work authorization in 2017, I was ready to jump back into the sewing industry, where I had over 20 years of experience. I was confident that my skills and expertise with industrial machines would open doors. My first application was to Disney for a seamstress position. I thought, “This is my chance,” but to my surprise, I didn’t get the job. It was a humbling experience, but I didn’t stop there. Next, I applied at a local formal and bridal shop, but again, I wasn’t what they were looking for. Finally, I tried at David’s Bridal, hoping this would be my breakthrough—but yet again, I was turned down.
Those rejections stung. I started questioning my worth and whether I would ever find a place for myself here. But instead of giving up, I decided to carve out my own path. If no one wanted to hire me, I would build something for myself.
Starting my business wasn’t easy. I made mistakes early on because I didn’t fully understand how business worked in the U.S. I didn’t know, for example, that self-promotion wasn’t allowed in many Facebook groups. I was banned from several groups for advertising my services as a seamstress, and it was disheartening to feel like I kept hitting walls.
Then, a turning point came. One kind woman saw my post before I was banned. She not only reached out and scheduled an appointment but also became a mentor of sorts. She explained that the best way to grow my business wasn’t through direct advertising but by focusing on excellent work and encouraging my customers to leave reviews on Facebook groups and Google. Her guidance changed everything for me. Slowly but steadily, I started building a reputation. Word of mouth became my greatest ally, and my client base began to grow.
I also owe a lot to a fellow seamstress, Nadia, who specialized in dance costumes. She generously referred clients to me for alterations and custom clothing that she didn’t handle herself. Her support was invaluable in those early days.
Of course, the language barrier was still a challenge. I often asked clients to communicate through text messages so I could use translation tools to understand them properly and respond. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked. In 2017, I decided to take control of this obstacle by enrolling at Valencia College to improve my English. Those years were tough—I was running a business while studying—but the effort paid off. By the time I graduated in 2020, my English was much stronger, and so was my confidence.
During this time, I even considered pursuing a pharmacy degree. Pharmacy had always been a secondary interest of mine, and I thought perhaps it was a more stable career path. But when COVID hit and I had to temporarily shut down my sewing business, I realized just how much I loved what I did. Being unable to sew left me feeling empty, and it became clear that sewing wasn’t just a job for me—it was my passion, my identity. I decided to double down on my business and never looked back.
Interestingly, a few years after I started my business and built a name for myself as “Seamstress Lena,” both the local bridal shop and David’s Bridal contacted me, trying to hire me. By then, I had established my own successful business, and I didn’t need a job anymore. It felt surreal to be in a position where they wanted me after all those rejections. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me why perseverance matters.
Looking back, the journey hasn’t been easy. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and feeling like I didn’t belong. But every challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. The people who supported me, from that kind woman who gave me advice to my loyal clients, played a huge role in my success. And while the road wasn’t smooth, it was worth every struggle because it brought me here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create more than just clothes; I create confidence, comfort, and individuality for my clients. At Orlando Sewing Studio, I specialize in high-quality alterations and custom clothing for both men and women. Whether it’s tailoring a suit to fit perfectly, altering a wedding dress to make it truly yours, or designing a one-of-a-kind gown from scratch, every project I take on is approached with the same level of care and attention to detail. My work isn’t just about fixing or making clothes—it’s about making people feel their best in what they wear.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Alterations are deeply personal; they involve transforming something someone already cherishes. Custom clothing is even more intimate—it’s about bringing a vision to life that reflects someone’s personality and style. Clients come to me not just because of my technical skills but because they know I listen. I take their needs, their vision, and even their insecurities into account, and I turn those into something they can wear with pride.
What sets me apart is my personal connection to every piece I work on. For me, sewing isn’t just a job—it’s an extension of who I am. I’ve been sewing since I was a child, and over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of fabrics, techniques, and design. But what truly makes my work unique is my passion. I don’t just sew for the sake of sewing; I sew because I love it, because it fulfills me, and because it allows me to bring joy to others.
Another thing that sets me apart is my versatility. I don’t limit myself to one style or type of work. From casual alterations to intricate bridal gowns, I do it all. And I do it with the same commitment to quality and artistry. My background in industrial sewing taught me to work efficiently while maintaining precision, and my experience as a custom seamstress taught me the importance of creativity and individuality.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t a specific project or milestone. It’s the fact that I’ve built a career doing what I love. Sewing has been with me through every stage of my life, from making doll clothes as a child to running my own studio today. It’s deeply personal to me, and every stitch I make is a reflection of that passion. I’m proud that my clients see that and trust me with their most important moments, whether it’s their wedding day, a job interview, or simply wanting to feel good in their favorite outfit.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One resource that has become an essential part of my day is Chill Station on SiriusXM. I’m in love with deep house music, and this station delivers the perfect mix of soothing, atmospheric beats. It creates a calming environment that helps me stay focused and creative while I work. Sewing requires a lot of attention to detail, and the music sets a steady, relaxing rhythm that makes even the most intricate projects enjoyable.
What I love most about Chill Station is how neutral and inviting the music feels. When clients visit my office, the background music helps create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Many have mentioned how comfortable and relaxed they feel while discussing their alterations or custom projects.
If you’re someone who works in a creative or detailed field, or even if you just need something calming to help you concentrate, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s more than just music—it’s a tool for creating a positive and productive vibe in any space.
Pricing:
- Hemming pants from $20
- Hemming jeans $25-$35
- Hemming jacket lined sleeves from $45
- Hemming dresses from $30 single layer, from $70 lined long dresses
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seamstresslena.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seamstress_lena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seamstresslena/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/orlando-sewing-studio-by-seamstress-lena-winter-garden
Image Credits
Custom made wedding dresses, Halloween costumes, pageant dress, creating wedding robe and shorts from mother’s wedding dress from scratch
