INDIANA EXCHANGE: Tailor to retire with his sewing machine
(AP) — It may seem odd, having relationship with a machine.
[...] when you use one every day for 50-plus years, when you know exactly the cure for its ails, and when you're confident it will do its job every single time, it's hard to call it anything but a friendship.
When George Gogos retires and closes his tailoring and alterations shop, Gogos Tailoring, early next year, his friendship with a 100-plus-year-old Singer sewing machine won't come to an end, even if his business likely will.
Though he's attached to the Singer, it's not the only old piece of machinery in his East State Boulevard shop.
"Most of the machines here are over 60 years," Gogos says, arms crossed and with a smile on his face.
To his surprise and excitement, the shop owner took him in.
Gogos opened his shop in 1996 after gaining confidence and perfecting his craft working for higher-end shops Golden's Menswear, then later Meyers and McCarthy.
Focusing mainly on alterations, Gogos built his business on word-of-mouth advertising and his strong belief in giving customers nothing less than top-quality work.
Because I'm a tailor, I'm not just (an) ordinary seamstress who knows how to sew.
Longtime customer Dena Jacquay appreciates the detailed work and pride Gogos takes in tailoring.
"When you have clothes that fit you just right, you have an air of confidence," Jacquay says.
"Healthwise, thank God, he gave me good health, and I know I can do a lot of things," Gogos says.
While retirement is his plan, Gogos wishes his business could continue, if for no other reason than for the sake of his loyal customers.