MairiAliciaDesigns

When I was 9, I was convinced I'd be a veterinarian-ballerina-opera singer. When I was 16, I had turned to the dark side and was planning a future in law. When I was 18, having taken my first law class, I switched (quite quickly, and with no reservations) to a theatre major, thinking I'd become a famous stage-actress. Finding I had work-study money and could apply for a job in the theatre, I determined I would work in the scene shop but somehow managed to nab an interview in the costume shop instead. Having not sewn a single thing successfully since the age of 13 (and I'm using the term "successfully" rather loosely), there was a fair amount of "creative license" taken on my part when discussing my skill set in the interview. The heavens were shining on me that day and I nabbed the job. Never had I imagined a life in costume design. Sure, I had sketched fashion design ideas since I could remember. I had made Barbie clothes throughout the years. I had loved dress-up time with a fierce passion. "Prettydress" was one word to me for years. But somehow I had never, not once, thought any of that could parlay into a future career.

My first project in the costume shop was a 17th century frock coat. From scratch. In velvet.

Ultimately, I found I had a natural talent and deep love for fashion, sewing, and costume design. I had found my place, my passion. I continued to act though-out college, but costume design took center stage from that point on.

Upon graduating, I worked in various community and high school theatres. Passion was lost, experiences experienced, stories for future telling accrued, and I found myself suddenly working in college admissions and sewing sporadically and only for myself (or for good friends who convinced me to come out of hiding and do a show). I was unhappy, hating my job, hating my commute, hating it all.

I finally had enough. I took the plunge and decided to quit the day job and start living the life I'd dreamed. Thus Trapped In Time Designs was born. I haven't looked back.

In 2021 I changed the name to Mairi Alicia Designs. Trapped In Time never sat quite right for me, but I never thought of something I liked more. Why MY NAME never occurred to me, I can't say.

I work in my home studio on industrial JUKI machines. I also have a 1946 Singer, a 1970s-era Singer and a 1990s-era Bernina--the '46 Singer is my favorite of the bunch. I love that I'm creating beautiful garments on the same machine that my grandmother used for years.

I'm a one-woman show, designing, creating, shipping, marketing--all of it. I take great pride in my business and the quality of my product. I take great joy from talking with customers and creating the perfect garment for them. My designs go on some grand adventures!

I love my business. Sure, I'm pretty much covered in thread every day and the local post office employees don't know quite what to do with me, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm happy, I love what I do, I love creating. I get to play dress up everyday with people all over the world! What's not to love about THAT?