Veteran-Owned Sewing Studio Thrives with Expert Alterations and Tailoring
In the heart of Beverly, West Virginia, Cynthia Bachorski has turned her military skills into a thriving business. After nearly 14 years in the United States Navy, she faced the challenge of finding a new career due to a disability.
Her journey led her to open C Sew, an in-home sewing studio for professional alterations, tailoring, and hand-crafted sewn goods. Even with the physical limitations from her injuries, Bachorski has crafted a new life for herself, fueled by passion and a stubborn streak of resilience.
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The Birth of C Sew: From Military Service to Sewing Studio
Bachorski’s path from Navy veteran to business owner says a lot about her determination. Injured during her service, she retired and moved to West Virginia in 2023.
The transition wasn’t easy. She went through five surgeries on her feet and spent time confined to a wheelchair.
But honestly, her spirit just wouldn’t quit.
Discovering a New Path
Finding a remote job that fit her disability turned out to be tough. “I kept trying to find a remote job because with my disability, it’s really hard. There are some days the best I can do is just crawl to a sewing machine or a computer,” she admitted.
That realization nudged her to lean into her sewing skills, something she’d learned as a kid and polished during her Navy days.
Bachorski’s knack for sewing machines actually comes from her Navy training. She worked on complex electronics like radars and navigation equipment.
This technical background helps her repair sewing machines, a service she offers through the Elkins Sewing Center. Still, her main focus with C Sew is on alterations and custom sewing projects.
A Community-Driven Initiative
Bachorski’s involvement in the local community has shaped her business. Last summer, she volunteered for the Rosie the Riveter celebration in downtown Elkins, making headscarves and pocket squares for the event.
Friends encouraged her to take the leap and turn her sewing into a business. That little push made all the difference.
Services Offered by C Sew
C Sew offers a range of services to meet clients’ needs. Bachorski specializes in:
- Professional Alterations: Ensuring garments fit just right.
- Tailoring: Customizing clothing to personal tastes.
- Hand-Crafted Sewn Goods: Creating unique, personalized items.
She repairs sewing machines only for the Elkins Sewing Center, but her main energy goes into sewing. This setup means clients get specialized help, whether they need a machine fixed or a dress hemmed.
Building a Business from Passion
Bachorski’s love for sewing started young. Her mother, a quilter, taught her the basics.
Over time, she’s made everything from renaissance fair costumes to uniforms for Navy shipmates. That kind of experience lets her take on a wide range of sewing projects—no two days are quite the same.
The Impact of C Sew on the Community
Since opening C Sew, Bachorski has felt a wave of support from the local community. Her business provides valuable services and, honestly, her story inspires others who are facing tough challenges, too.
She shares her story and expertise, and people notice. It’s hard not to root for her.
Looking Ahead
Bachorski wants to expand C Sew and keep sharpening her craft. She’s committed to quality and adapting to what clients need, even as those needs change.
“I figured why not? I get to work for myself and always be happy. Since I’ve opened, I wake up excited each morning,” she said. And you can almost hear the smile in her voice.
Contact Information
If you’re curious about C Sew or want to get in touch with Bachorski, just call 304-704-6083. You can also find more details on the business’s Facebook page.
Honestly, her passion for sewing and helping her community shows in everything she does. There’s something pretty inspiring about her story—it kind of reminds you how much grit people really have.
Want the whole story? Check out Cynthia Bachorski’s journey and what C Sew offers in the full article on The Inter-Mountain.