“It has been an absolutely wonderful journey for the past 40 years of my career! My name is Ginetta and I am a professional seamstress based in Oshawa, Ontario. I started my career in Hong Kong where the fashion industry was infused with mixtures of Eastern and Western elements.

In my teenage years, I have always been a strong advocate in expressing my personality through clothing. I started my career in the fashion industry as a textile assistant and have done several roles including fashion illustrator, pattern maker and designer. Aside from working for a local clothing brand, I also took apprenticeship with multiple seamstresses, including an Italian suit maker and a Chinese dress maker.

When I had an opportunity to move to Canada for my family, I took my chances to start my own business in the small but intimate town of Oshawa. With my 40-year experience in fashion and along with my natural need to create high standards product, I now work closely with my clients to discuss their wants and needs in partnership to bring their visions alive.

I believe the transparent two- way communication is a key component to develop relationships with my clients and enable me to understand how they envision the products. Whether it is putting a button back on their jackets, making a flattering dream wedding gown, fitting a confident business suit or custom make the curtains that turns their house into a home, I will always put in my best effort into making it come true.”

Ginetta, Ginetta Sewing, 159 Simcoe St South

The faces and voices of 'SoJo, Oshawa' is a photo essay focusing on the people who are investing in the area known as ‘SoJo’, a strip of businesses located south of John, along Simcoe Street South.

For more information about ‘SoJo’ read this article published on the Downtowns of Durham blog, supported by Invest Durham and Region of Durham's Economic Development and Tourism Department.