Natalya Allen, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I’ve been sewing since I was 7 years old. My grandma and grandpa made military uniforms. My mom sewed, my cousin sewed, so I came from a long line of alterations and custom-made clothing. I wanted to open my own business for a long time and then the store came along on sale two years ago. I bought it and decided to run it by myself so I can have my own rules and treat the customers the way I want to, not how I’d be told to.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I’m just trying to my best every day and I treat the customers the way I want to be treated. It’s been a lifelong goal for me. I try to do really good quality work. Not everybody knows how to fit the customer first to see what their needs are. I’m more sensitive to my customers and I listen to them. Not everybody knows how to fit a garment properly on a client. I think it’s a dying art.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I like the interaction with customers. My favorite part is when the garment fits after I’m done with it. I’ve had customers come in almost crying and ready to throw away their garments. But when their faces light up after it’s done correctly and it fits perfectly, and they tell me, ‘thank you, thank you’ — it looks perfect and I feel good.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The timing. I like to do more for the customers and sometimes it takes more time. Certain things take longer especially because I’m the only one.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Customer service is my number one priority. I came to Colorado from Russia 15 years ago. I came from Moscow to follow my American dream. In the future I would like to open a factory to make more jobs here.
Profile
Business: Allen Custom Tailoring
Address: 3102 S. Parker Road
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1984
Contact: 303-752-4296, Tailoring
Employees: 1
