Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Resshma Chandiramani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Resshma, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

With more people heading back to the office post-COVID, dressing up is making a comeback. But this time, we’re noticing a shift—our customers aren’t sticking to the same old traditional suits. They’re leaning toward a more personalized look, choosing pieces that reflect their personality and individual style.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Our business, Montaj Hong Kong Tailor, was started by my father-in-law and his brothers back in 1968 in Hong Kong. At the time, it was called Mail Order Suits—basically, you’d order a suit through a traveling salesman, and it would be shipped right to your door.

In 1972, my father-in-law, Jetto, was traveling and ended up at the Holiday House in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was only supposed to stay one night, but he did so well that he stayed another night… and then another. Before he knew it, a week had passed. That’s when he called his brother and said, “I’m setting up shop here in Pittsburgh for good.” From there, the business grew, and we even opened an additional location in downtown Pittsburgh.

Fast forward to 2022, when my father-in-law became sick with cancer. That’s when I stepped in to work alongside my husband, Monesh (Mo), with the hope of running the business and continuing Jetto’s legacy.

We provide a unique clothing experience where you design your look from start to finish—everything from the fabric and design to the stitching details. We create custom-made suits, shirts, pants, coats, leather goods, and ties, and we’ve got everything you need to complete your formal look, making us a true one-stop suiting shop. We also do alterations on just about anything, including formal dresses, so you can get the perfect fit no matter what you’re wearing.

On top of that, we carry leather and exotic shoes—from dress shoes to sneakers and boots—and even hats to pull the whole look together.

The problem we solve is simple: our customers come to us because they know the style they want, but they can’t find it anywhere else. Or maybe they struggle to get the perfect fit. Whether you’re tall, short, plus-size, petite, or anywhere in between, we make sure every piece is tailored exactly to you—something you can’t get anywhere else.

I love when customers come in to try on their suit—the smile on their face and the way they light up when their vision comes to life is the best part of what we do.

What I’m most proud of, though, is my father-in-law. He came to this country from India as an immigrant and built a business that has stood the test of time. Through all the ups and downs—the economy, changing styles, even COVID when people weren’t going into offices or wearing suits—he kept it going. To not only sustain the business but also build the network and legacy he did is something I’m incredibly proud to carry forward.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For 15 years, I was a stay-at-home mom. When my husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019, I started thinking maybe I should come help at the shop. But at the time, there really wasn’t space for me—it was like they say, too many cooks in the kitchen, especially with my father-in-law still very involved.

Then, in 2022, everything changed when my father-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer. Overnight, I had to pivot and step into the business wherever I was needed most. That meant not only helping to run things day-to-day but also learning the craft itself so I could truly understand how to keep the business going—even though filling his shoes is no easy task.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

We’re a family-run business through and through, and all of our clothing is made by Mo’s cousin, who runs our tailor shop in Hong Kong. At our Hong Kong head office, we have three skilled tailors. When someone comes into our store, we take their measurements, help them choose their fabric, and talk through their unique vision for the garment. From there, we send everything to Hong Kong, where our tailors cut, prep, and stitch each piece to bring that vision to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://montajhktailor.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montajhktailor_pgh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FBhBN7otY/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/montaj-hong-kong-tailors
• Twitter: https://x.com/Montajhktailor?t=6YIHY2oa-wNuYtx4sLOc0Q&s=09
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Montajhktailor
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/montaj-hong-kong-tailor-pittsburgh
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@montajbespoketailors?_t=ZP-8tpjHlVYiFC&_r=1

Image Credits

Photos of Resshma Chandiramani taken by Anastasia Snyder