Sewing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It all started at my mum’s feet, stitching together scraps of fabric to make little bags for my dolls. My mum sewed, and so did her mum—both with impeccable style and an eye for quality fabrics and fit. School holidays were filled with crafting, from cross-stitch to sewing, and some of my fondest memories include wrapping myself in my grandmother’s fabrics and playing with her treasured button tin.
In high school, I won multiple sewing awards, though I spent just as much time helping friends and chatting as I did sewing! Despite my early passion, I took a step back from sewing in my late teens after not winning a fashion design competition—a decision I later regretted. But when I had children, I returned to sewing, studied Patternmaking and began creating and selling children’s clothing under the label Miss Mary.
What started as a small venture quickly grew. Friends would gather at my home for sewing sessions, and soon they were bringing their friends, encouraging me to charge for lessons. And so, Miss Mary Sewing Classes was born. The name is a tribute to my mum, Mary, and it perfectly fit the spirit of my handmade children’s clothing.
As my love for fashion never waned, I recently pursued formal studies in the industry. I completed a Diploma in Fashion Business and a Certificate in Fashion & Design, refining my skills in design, concepts, textiles, colour and innovation and the business side of fashion to include marketing, sustainability, law, fashion buying and digital media. To further expand my expertise, I attended Central Saint Martins to study Fashion Forecasting, exploring how historical trends influence modern style.
In 2024, I spent a month in London and Paris, immersing myself in fashion history and craftsmanship. I visited iconic exhibitions, including the Dior Museum, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Diva Exhibition and Biba Exhibition to name a few. I even had the opportunity to visit le19M in Paris, where Chanel’s embroidery artisans bring haute couture to life.
Now, after 16 years in this business, I love it as much as the first day I started. The wonderful women I’ve met have made me laugh, cry, and share in the joy of creating. These women are hardworking, talented, and more creative than they realize. Through sewing, we connect—not just with fabric and thread, but with each other. Sewing is more than a skill; it’s a mindful creative process that allows you make stylish, functional pieces that integrate into your wardrobe.