Check Out Doremi Rivas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doremi Rivas.

Hi Doremi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My adventure started when I was 17 years old, I always were very clear about what I wanted to be when I get an adult, and I wanted to be a Fashion Designer, but at that time wasn’t a college or university to study that carrier in my country Venezuela, so I want to come to the US. My mom refuses and bring me to a psychologist thinking that I was crazy. Thanks to that visit, it made me realize my abilities, strengths, and courage to know what’s my desire. The psychologist explains to my family, to give me the opportunity to make it happen but my mom got depressed, so I felt terrible, and my wings were cut out. Months later a technical college opened an apparel fashion in Venezuela, and I was able to finish my degree. Then I was working for Angel Sanchez, a very recognized international designer for 2 years. I quit to open my own studio. After 7 years I got married to a Venezuelan man that was born in the US accidentally, and after 4 years, I convinced him to leave Venezuela and start a brand-new life in the US.

Always was dreaming to have my studio again, but I started to be dedicated my life to my husband and 3 kids for 19 years and doing some fashion work here and there and learning English from cero. When my last kid got 6 years old, I decide to start saving money to make my dream come true again with determination. I started doing alterations and some customized dresses, then a friend asked me to teach sewing to her daughter. I felt confused, I’m not a teacher, and not even have any idea how to teach sewing but I proposed to try for a few weeks, people started asking me for more classes for their kids and got busy, after 5 years of saving, now I have a fashion studio. I offer sewing classes for kids, alterations and customized garments.

I was able to buy my own space, and little by little I brought new sewing machines, furniture, and everything I considered to feel a fashion environment and to offer great and more service.

It has been very hard growing my business by myself but so satisfied to be able to see getting better and better. The most important is feeling the satisfaction of watching people admiring my abilities and work. I really enjoy everyday work with kids and clients.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Life is tough but it has been a learning for me, thanks to these experiences, I’m what I’m todayy, and I believe I’ll reach more. I always have a challenge, small or big. One of my biggest struggles has been doing everything by myself, since I was young, I didn’t have financial or emotional support from my family, only friends encouraged me and support me, and this participation teach me that nothing stops me to work for more. Actually, now that I’m acquainted with a divorce, it make sme stronger to make choices in what is my true passion.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Sound easy to explain my work, but in this field, my experience has been different. I have an everyday challenge, Sometimes, I have to figure out how to fix, create or modify a dress, Brides got extremely nervous when they don’t have any idea how the process is to get altered their dresses.

Dealing with kids with mental issues in my class is another challenge, but I’m so grateful, it has been teaching empathy and compassion for others.

I’m very humble, but I think my key has been being very friendly. Sometimes, I think it’s too much friendly. Sometimes, brides came back after their alteration is done just to hear from me that they look beautiful.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t like a risk but sometimes it’s necessary. That’s why I personally have been growing little by little with my own capacity. But there are some organizations that help people to create any business, then in the process, you can realize if it’s worth it being supervised by professionals.

I personally have been growing by the opportunity on the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nenasatelier.com
• Instagram: @nenasatelier
• Facebook: Nena’s Atelier