My Story

I was born in the small town of Plesetsk in Northwestern Russia, where I lived for 37 years. After graduating from law school, I built a career in the legal profession. Yet throughout my life, creativity remained an essential part of who I am. From an early age, I was drawn to making things with my hands—knitting, sewing, embroidery, and various crafts. These creative pursuits brought me joy, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment that has stayed with me throughout the years.

Creativity runs deep in my family. My great-grandfather, who lived in the countryside, knitted stockings and other necessities for his family and passed this skill on to his daughters. My grandmother, whose name was also Raisa, was an exceptionally talented craftswoman. She crocheted beautiful bedspreads, tablecloths, and decorative pieces, and she wove colorful rugs and runners from strips of fabric. At a time when handmade rugs were highly valued and not easily available, her work was greatly admired and sought after.

After losing her husband in 1945 to wounds sustained during World War II, she raised two children on her own, built her own home in the 1960s, and worked tirelessly throughout her life. I still remember helping her weave rugs on a large wooden loom. It was my grandmother who introduced me to the foundations of craftsmanship and taught me the value of patience, dedication, and quality.

My family's tradition of sewing and craftsmanship continued through the next generation. My aunt Nina was a professional seamstress, and my mother, who received formal training in sewing, lovingly made many of my holiday dresses by hand. Inspired by these remarkable women, I devoted countless hours to sewing, creating, and studying garment construction and accessory design.

Over the years, I pursued professional training to deepen my skills. I attended sewing school in Arkhangelsk, Russia, and studied with experienced instructors who shared decades of industry knowledge. Later, I earned a degree in Image Consulting from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts.

In 2009, I moved to Portland, Maine, with my American husband and established my own business. Before leaving Russia, I shipped most of the sewing equipment that I still use in my studio today. Leaving my machines behind was never an option—they have always been an important part of my creative journey.

Today, I truly love what I do. Every garment, alteration, and handcrafted accessory is an opportunity to bring joy, confidence, and beauty into someone's life. I approach each project with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, creating pieces that are both functional and meaningful. For me, sewing is more than a profession—it is a lifelong passion, a family tradition, and a way to connect with people through craftsmanship and creativity.