We were lucky to catch up with Lynette Hunter Halalay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lynette , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Yes, I do take vacations as a small business owner. I believe vacations are crucial for entrepreneurs for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a necessary break from the daily grind, allowing for rest and rejuvenation of both body and mind. This rest is essential to maintain high levels of productivity and creativity in the long run. Secondly, vacations offer valuable opportunities for learning. By exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, one can gain fresh perspectives and insights that can be incorporated into the business. I recommend other small business owners prioritize taking vacations to ensure they remain energized, innovative, and effective in their roles

Lynette , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“Hi, I’m Lynette J. Hunter Halalay. I previously worked as a showroom and runway model in New York, San Francisco, and Milan, Italy. Today, I’m channeling my passion for fashion into designing uniquely beautiful pieces, drawing from my extensive experience and knowledge in the fashion industry.”
Knit Sew Fabulous and Green Lennie Altered Couture, established in the heart of Eastern Detroit since 2010, we are dedicated to nurturing creativity and sustainability in fashion. Located in The Samaritan Center, we offer one-of-a-kind custom garments and alterations, specializing in the use of vintage and sustainable fabrics and yarns. Our mission is to address the community’s need for a textile creative center, providing a space where innovation and eco-friendly design converge to inspire and empower our local community. We are committed to fostering the next generation of designers through youth training and sewing classes, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to create a sustainable future in fashion.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Certainly. As an entrepreneur, pivoting has been a recurring theme in my journey, especially in the fashion industry. When I started my business in 2010 as a knitwear designer, I initially focused on creating unique, custom designs. Over time, I realized the growing demand for alterations and adapted my services to include this, allowing my business to grow and evolve.

A pivotal moment came in 2019 while on a family vacation in Florence, Italy. I visited an art exhibition titled Sustainable Thinking at the Salvador Ferragamo Museum, which profoundly impacted me. This experience stayed with me, and, I launched Green Lennie Alter Couture and Textiles, a line dedicated to sustainable practices.

However, the most significant pivot occurred later that year when a devastating flood destroyed several of my knitting machines, sewing machines, and fabrics. This disaster forced me to rethink my approach entirely. In response, I dedicated Green Lennie Alter Couture and Textiles to the mission of rescuing vintage fabrics, sewing notions, and books, giving them a new life in my designs.

This journey has taught me that being an entrepreneur means being adaptable and ready to pivot whenever necessary. Each challenge has been an opportunity to innovate and grow, reinforcing the importance of resilience and flexibility in business.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of personalized customer service and leveraging the power of word-of-mouth referrals. In the fashion industry, building strong, lasting relationships with clients is crucial. By offering customized, high-quality services and truly understanding my clients’ needs, I create a loyal customer base that often refers my services to others. Additionally, showcasing my work on social media and collaborating with influencers in the sustainable fashion space has significantly expanded my reach and attracted new clients. This multi-faceted approach has been instrumental in the growth of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://KnitSewFabulous.com
• Instagram: @KnitSewFabulous
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knit.Sew.Fabulous
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/wpC6gJ9rX6

Image Credits

Descriptions of the photos:

1. All photos were taken by Lynette Hunter Halalay.
2. The black and white photo was taken in Verona, Italy, during a family vacation in June 2024.
3. The gold dresses on the mannequins were special order prom dresses from April 2024.
4. The knit dresses on the mannequins were made by Knit Sew Fabulous on vintage knitting machines.
5. The photos of hands are of my sewing students, young and young at heart, willing and open to learn.