Sung Lee and Jung Park, owners of Potomac Custom Tailors. Photo Contributed
Two and a half years ago, Sung Lee and his wife Jung Park hung a sign over their new business — Potomac Custom Tailor, located in the heart of Potomac Village in the townhouses just up the hill from the Giant. With their dedication to providing quality tailoring, their friendly attitudes and joy in helping others, they have built their business “one stitch-at-a-time” through repeat customers, word of mouth and hard work. “It was very very slow at first,” said Sung Lee. “But slowly and surely more customers have come and business gets better every year.”
Lee and his wife gave up their alteration business in West Des Moines, Iowa to move to Potomac to be closer to their sons. Both learned tailoring and design in their native Korea but immigrated to the U.S. for a better life for their children. They were selected as the best tailors in West Des Moines out of more than 25 companies.
“We didn’t realize that here on the East Coast, most of the tailors are associated with dry cleaners. We chose Potomac because it looked as if there was no one to do alterations. We love it here and are so happy that our business has grown. Most of our customers are from the Potomac area, but some drive a long way because they have heard about us,” he said.
“It’s funny, because in Iowa, I hemmed lots and lots of jeans. In Potomac, it seems to be not so many jeans, but lots of formal wear, suits and dresses. We make alterations on everything — wedding gowns, prom dresses, leather, jeans and household items like draperies and adding trim to pillows.”
Their expertise and dedication to making certain that every alteration is perfect has brought scores of repeat customers. “We are also popular because we charge ‘Iowa’ prices,” said Lee. “We make certain that our customers are pleased with both the work and the price. I only charge $10 to hem a pair of pants. We have worked in this business for many years, and we can alter anything.”
Potomac Custom Tailor is located at in the townhouses at 10240-A River Road, Potomac in the Potomac Promenade Shopping Center. They are open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Contact Sung Lee and Jung Park at 301-983-0273 or 301-983-0273.