“I was a novice design assistant in the fashion business when I visited my first factory in NYC’s garment district. It was one of those moments that leaves you weak at the knees…I had found my calling in a grungy, noisy, yet beautiful turn-of-the-century trimmings factory. I have designed and sold trimmings to the fashion, furnishings and design industries for 20 years now. My clients affectionately call me the Trim Queen so in 2013, I put on that crown and started sharing contemporary application techniques through my blog and social media channels, becoming the ‘ambassador of trimmings’ so to speak.
Most recently, I have started designing home and fashion accessories in my Peekskill, NY studio, incorporating all of my materials, new and vintage, making napkin rings, pillows, tassel fobs, and military-style brooches. I also throw maker parties, give classes, and make DIY videos showing people how to make things using trim. I call this The Alchemy of Trimmings: turning ordinary into extraordinary! It’s thrilling to bring out people’s creativity, and most find making things surprisingly therapeutic. Seeing how others use materials very differently than I would inspires me greatly.
Trim Alchemy gives people a way to express their style in their dress, but most fulfilling in my eyes, is bringing a sense of soul to their home that they share with their family.”
