ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - For thousands of brides who needed their wedding dress on time, or parochial school kids whose new uniform was too big, or businessmen whose suit pants needed letting out – this was the go-to place in south St. Louis.
Sandy's Tailor shop on South Hampton Avenue is closing after 35 years, and owners Sandy and Umberto Passanisi say it's been a fulfilling career.
When they started, the going was tough, not a lot of customers. But Umberto, the outgoing husband, began asking local clothing stores if they needed a tailor for their customers.
The business grew, and Sandy kept the sewing machines humming, as neighbors brought in clothes that needed a button, or a hemline raised.
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Twenty years ago, Umberto's outside job in a factory went away, so he came to work for his wife full time.
"She was the boss," he says with a smile.
The couple celebrating their 50th anniversary say seeing each other every day--and night--has been good on the relationship.
And now they have grown kids and three grandchildren.
In retirement, the 80-year old Umberto says he plans to keep busy and spend time with his family.
There are no immediate plans for the shop, and if you still need something sewn, Sandy says she's doing a little work on the side, but not like before.
The couple talked with KMOX about their life and times, and some of the famous customers they've had through the years.
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