Lenka is a Successful Seamstress in Wales: “I Made a Three-Meter Scarf for Ariana Grande”

When Lenka Kmecová was 20, she decided to move to England for work. She worked as a caregiver, but she was always drawn to the craft she studied in high school—tailoring.

Over time, she decided to stay in England, found a partner, and learned alongside other fashion designers and seamstresses. Today, she's known not only in classic tailoring but also in designing and sewing wedding and formal dresses that have reached Buckingham Palace.

“One day, a woman came to me who seemed very mysterious. She gave me precise details to sew a three-meter scarf. When she came to pick it up, she told me that my life would change soon. Two months later, she sent me a photo of Ariana Grande wearing the scarf around her neck,” says Lenka about one of her most interesting career experiences.

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What attracted you to living abroad?

I was 20 years old and had completed a five-year tailoring school. After finishing, I stayed home for a year. It was 2002, and the trend was to go abroad—especially to England. I was drawn by the change, new experiences, and the feeling of trying something different. So, I packed my bags, got my visa sorted, and left to work as a caregiver. I saw it as a chance to stand on my own feet and see what I could achieve.

Did you have a plan for how long you wanted to stay?

Honestly? I had a very clear plan—two years and that's it. I was going to make money, gain experience, and come back home. But life had other plans. In 2004, Slovakia joined the European Union (Lenka is from Slovakia, ed. note), job opportunities opened up, and I gradually started building my own support system. Then I met a partner with whom I'm still together, so it wasn't just a "temporary stay" anymore. Those two years just naturally extended.

How did you get back into tailoring?

I've always loved it. Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed sewing and designing clothing. As I mentioned, I studied this in vocational school, so I had the professional foundation.

When I came to England, I initially worked as a caregiver. However, I was always looking for something more fulfilling—a kind of "side job." I happened to come across a fashion designer, and we started sewing T-shirts and tank tops together. Thanks to this collaboration, I gradually began meeting more designers. And from there, it was just a step to fully immerse myself in tailoring.

And that's how it all started?

Yes and no. (laughs) While I was doing that, I was sewing at home, helping people with small repairs on everything from clothes to curtains. Three years later, we moved from London to Chepstow, a town in Wales, about 45 km from Cardiff. There, I found a small tailoring shop owned by an older lady who focused mainly on clothing alterations. I asked her for a job, and she hired me.

Was it any different doing this work in another country?

Not really. For me, it was more about the opportunity and trust. After about a year and a half, my then-boss herself told me I was talented and should open my own tailoring workshop. That was a huge boost and also the push I needed to make a bold step. I decided to go for it—and I had my own shop open for 14 years.

How did it take off? Were you worried it might not work out?

From the moment I arrived in England and started focusing on sewing, I was convinced I could do it. Of course, the beginning wasn't easy, but it gradually paid off. People started coming directly to me—mainly through recommendations, because word spread that my work was reliable and of high quality.

The COVID period, however, was challenging. I had to close the shop—there was a crisis, rent increased, and there was less work. It wasn't an easy decision. In the end, we converted the garage at our house, and since the pandemic, I've had my own studio right here. Looking back, I see it as a new beginning and maybe even a step in the right direction.

Are you mostly focused on wedding dresses now?

Yes, at the moment, I mainly focus on wedding dresses. When I had my shop, I started collaborating with a bridal salon where brides would get their purchased dresses adjusted.

Interestingly, in England, the system of renting wedding dresses doesn't really exist as we know it. Most brides buy their dresses directly from the salon or have them custom-made.

Besides wedding dresses, I still work on smaller, regular alterations for my long-time clients. I also have my own brand dedicated to sewing dresses for little girls.

How did you attract clients?

Initially, I had clients who knew me from my previous shop, so I wasn't starting from scratch. I got into bridal fashion mainly through dress alterations. Gradually, bridal salons started reaching out to me to work as a contract seamstress for wedding dress alterations.

I can say that my business is mainly built on reputation. I've never invested heavily in marketing or advertising. What helped me most were satisfied brides, their reviews, and recommendations—basically word of mouth. And that's, in my opinion, the most valuable form of advertising.

Is formal education necessary for tailoring these days?

The foundation is definitely skill—without skilled hands, it just doesn't work. Education can give you strong technical basics, but a diploma alone isn't enough. You need to put your heart into this craft, along with patience and attention to detail. I feel like the precision and honesty that were typical for tailoring are gradually disappearing. Also, fewer young people want to pursue this craft. It's a beautiful job, but it requires humility, discipline, and passion.

How's the wedding business going nowadays?

I collaborate with 11 salons, sewing and altering wedding dresses. I engage in all sorts of activities within tailoring.

What was your emotion when you sold your first handmade wedding dress in England?

Huge pride and satisfaction. It was a moment when I realized that all the effort, uncertainty, and starting out in a foreign country were worth it. When we were younger, we often heard that Slovaks abroad couldn't achieve much. And at that moment, I proved to myself that it wasn't true. That if you work honestly and don't give up, you can succeed anywhere.

A big thanks also goes to my brother, who was there at the beginning. He's incredibly hardworking and always supported, encouraged, and believed in me even when I doubted myself. Just like my partner—he was and is my support. Without them, the journey would have been much harder.

Did you ever feel underestimated in England because of your origin?

Oh, yes. Sometimes people let you feel it—not always directly, but between the lines. I've had people come to the studio wanting alterations but hinted that working with a foreigner wasn't entirely comfortable for them. But I always took it in stride. They always came back—and that's the best response for me. In the end, it's the quality of work that matters, not your origin. And I feel that over time, it has improved significantly.

How much do wedding dresses cost in England?

It's hard to say. In more affordable shops, prices start from 19,000 to 26,000 crowns. In higher-quality boutiques, often with custom tailoring, it's from around 170,000 crowns. It depends on the fabric, cut, materials, and the bride's figure. It's equally hard to pinpoint the earnings of tailors and seamstresses around here because everyone works differently, has different expenses, opening hours, and so on.

Do you remember any unusual situation or request someone made?

About a year ago, a lady came to my studio without an appointment. I work by appointments only. It was a Saturday around noon, and she said she needed a chiffon scarf sewn. It had to be exactly three meters long and exactly 45 centimeters wide. She also gave me very detailed instructions on how it should be finished.

I went through those requirements and agreed. She gave me a deadline. She called me every day asking how it was progressing and when it would be ready. It was very peculiar; she was very mysterious. When she came to pick it up, she was, positively speaking, blown away. She told me that my life would change soon. Two months later, she sent me a photo of Ariana Grande wearing the scarf I made.

That's amazing. You probably didn't realize you were sewing for someone famous.

Not at all, I had no way of knowing because I get all sorts of people here.

Has your clientele changed since then?

Not really, I still work with a very similar type of clients as before. Even in the past, I had orders for formal dresses for people attending balls and events connected with the British royal family. They are individuals involved in various worthwhile activities for the country and are often recognized by members of the royal family. I'm very honored to be part of their special moments.

So, soon you'll be sewing for the royal court.(Laughs) That's probably tricky, but my dream is to sew a dress for Princess Kate.

You recently received an important wedding award. What was it about?

It was fantastic. (Laughs) There's an annual competition in Wales that recognizes the best professionals and businesses involved in the wedding industry—from salons to individuals participating in the wedding process. What's special about it is that you can't enter it yourself. Customers have to nominate you. I first won for the region where I live, and then I took the national win. It was one of the most beautiful moments in my career—especially because it was an award directly from brides.

You've lived on the British Isles for over 20 years, but you regularly return home. What surprises you most there?

The approach to services surprises me the most. Every time I return home, I feel that simple humanity is disappearing. Less smiling, fewer greetings, less genuine "thank yous." Things we pay for are taken for granted, without respect for the people behind them. And that honestly saddens me, because small acts of courtesy are what make a country home.