Julia

Julia started learning how to sew when she was nine years old, and designing clothes when she was 14. After putting herself through design school, she spent several years working in alterations for large retailers. 

For years, in addition to her job as a tailor, Julia also took on work for friends doing fittings, alterations, and occasionally a custom design. So when she first learned about the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program that Compass operates in partnership with her housing provider, Metro Housing|Boston, she saw it as an opportunity to do something she’d thought about for a long time: to open her own clothing boutique and tailoring business.  

Julia had always been in the habit of managing a budget and tracking her expenses. One of the first things the FSS program helped her do, she says, was to learn how to reduce her debt and improve her credit. Her Compass financial coach also connected her with support on launching her business through the MA Small Business Development Center Network, where she was able to get feedback on her business plan and assistance with the legal aspects of opening a business.

In late 2017, Julia hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with friends and family for the official opening of her own store – JDLS Couture, at 923 Washington Street near the Dorchester/Milton line. Currently the business is primarily focused on tailoring and alterations, but she also sells a few of her own designs and custom pieces and hopes to do more of this in the future.

Julia’s major focus right now is on marketing her business to build her customer base. “I know quality, and my clothes are quality,” says Julia, “but I need to improve my marketing so I can stay busy. I would love to find a marketing coach, or affordable classes to learn how I can expand more.”

Julia credits the Compass FSS program as helping her feel ready to get her business off the ground. “I always had confidence that I would make it, and I always felt like I could do this,” Julia reflected recently, “but the program helped me feel really supported.”

Interested in learning more about Julia’s business and the service she offers?

Browse her website: jdlscouture.com
Give her a call: 617-533-7763
Send an email: jdlscouture@gmail.com
Visit the shop: 923 Washington St, Boston, MA 02124