Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Allende.
Adrienne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started making clothes for myself when I was 12 and for other people when I was in high school. I went to F.I.T. and got a degree in fashion construction. I’m not technically a designer because I don’t draw.
When I was in New York, I made costumes for a few off-Broadway plays.
I moved around a lot growing up, but I spent most of my formative years here in Georgia.
I was diagnosed with a form of cancer that only affects your reproductive organs at the age of 24. I was living with my brother and his wife at the time because I could hardly walk or take care of myself. After about two years, I needed a job so I went to a daycare center while I was there I started making graduation robes for the pre-k classes that were heading to kindergarten. A few different daycares hired me to do this. I moved to Connecticut and started working at an accounting firm. I was technically already an established business since 1993, but my new boss helped me with getting all the proper licenses and things necessary to own a legitimate business 1n 1998.
In 2001, I moved back to Georgia. I had a few clients already, I did a lot of alterations and baby clothes for a while. I knit, sew and crochet. I am ALWAYS working and always doing something with my hands. I knit or crochet EVERYWHERE so I have become known as “the crochet lady” around Atlanta. A lot of people know me but don’t know my name. I literally knit or crochet at the bar.
I make clothes for men, women, and children but, since I make custom pieces, I don’t make the same thing twice so I only have pictures if my clients remember to send them to me.
Great, 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 an extremely difficult road for me because of personal reasons. The work part has always been easy.
I had a baby at the age of 18. I was diagnosed with a form of cancer called choriocarcinoma at the age of 24.
Normally, it is treated by removing the malignant tissue and a few rounds of chemotherapy but I had some complications so I was sick for about two years after the diagnosis.
When I was 27, I had to have the cartilage in my jaw bone replaced and at 31 my kidneys failed, I was diagnosed with lupus and during treatment, my heart stopped. I never stopped working.
I was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but the doctors said keeping active helps slow down the process of joint deterioration so knitting and crocheting help me keep using my hands.
I’m just out in the world surviving and creating pretty things at 45.
I have become the little old lady who sits outside and knits.
Aces Custom Clothing – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I make clothes. I make custom pieces and I also make patterns and prototypes for people who dont sew but have design ideas.
I make clothes for men, women, and children. I am known for knitting in the club. I’m sure that sounds odd but, it’s what I do. I take my work everywhere.
I’m proud of the fact that in spite of all the things I’ve been through, I’m still here making people feel comfortable in what they are wearing.
I think that the person that I am is what sets me apart from other business. I turn down potential clients if what they want doesn’t fit into my comfort zone. I try to make clothes that are age-appropriate for young girls and I have to explain to some people that not every style is for everybody. I take time to get to know my clients to learn what they are comfortable with and uncomfortable about. Most clients will show me a picture of what they like which gives me an idea about their personal style and then, I tweak that a little. All of my long term clients just let me do what I do.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I was able to make a prom dress for a girl who wouldn’t have been able to buy a dress or go to prom without the assistance of a great group of ladies who donated their time and services to give her the opportunity.
Also, making my friends wedding dress. I’m honored that she asked but it definitely taught me to not do that again. Brides are hostile and violent, LOL.
Contact Info:
- Address: 880 Spencer Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30314 - Website: www.acescustomclothing.com
- Email: acescustomclothing@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acescustomclothing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acescutomclothing
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