I arrived in New England in 1991 from Romania and discovered beautifully decorated homes, people expressing visions of comfort and style in the way their rooms were decorated. Fascinated, I taught myself the concepts behind slipcovers and draperies, placed an add in the Metro Boston TAB newspaper, and founded Bujor in 1993. By 1997, I no longer needed to advertise. I listened to my customers and learned from them, incorporating their wishes and concerns in my business strategy: everything from returning phone calls promptly to delivering finished work on time. My sewing studio has been an integral part of my home from the beginning in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts to today's location in Providence, Rhode Island.

My first memory of holding a needle and thread in my hand is in Romania, in the late seventies. I had found a black and white petit-point in my mother's sewing basket, and asked what it was. "Petit-point" said my Mama and taught me the stitch. I finished the canvas, but what I really wanted to learn was how to use Buna's mechanical sewing machine. I wanted clothes that expressed my color and line preferences. I had to wait a few more years until I was tall enough to simultaneously touch the pedal with my feet while sitting in a chair, and keep my guiding fingers safe from the needle. Bunica taught me the rhythm I'd listened to my whole life, the back and forth of the feet on the pedal that made the needle go up and down with its stitching thread. My first creation was a short sleeve shirt, two identical pieces of fabric sewn together with simple seams and a rectangular pocket over the chest. It was light pink and I was very proud. I didn't stop making my own clothes after I came to America.

Last year I returned to limitless creativity, sewing beyond custom work. My daughter's arrival awakened the original reason I learned to sew: making products that display my preferences. Her arrival inspired limited-production outfits and heirlooms for mothers and children: tandem outfits, capelets, maternity sweaters, and unique stuffed toys. People received my creations with enthusiasm which makes me hope that my creations reflect my love and respect for sewing and for my customers.

In the near future I want to start teaching this soft, delicate trade to young adults, pass on this simple recipe for success: combine the knowledge of an ancient trade with modern customer standards.