Employee Spotlight: Cornel Elvy

We’d like to introduce you to Cornel Elvy, Tailor in our North Haven location. We hope you enjoy his story!

Cornel was born in Jamaica and raised by his mother, who not only worked in a sewing factory but was an avid sewer at home as well. Cornel knew what his mother did for work, but never thought much of it. When he turned 12 suddelnly sewing began to peak his interest. He started to sew on his own by hand and soon discovered his mother’s sewing machine which he became fascinated with. He loved using it so much that he’d sneak in and use it when his mother wasn’t home, which was a big no, no! His mother eventually found out, so she made sure he was using her sewing machine correctly and safely and then allowed him to practice on his own in his spare time.

As time went on Cornel developed a passion for sewing. His mother took him to the local tailor who had a shop in town and arranged for him to be the tailor’s assistant. It was there he learned the foundations for reparing and constructing garments. He also learned that not only did he love what he was doing, but he excelled at it.

When Cornel turned 18, he and his cousin started their own business making costume clothing for men and women. He loved it. But he also had a great desire to travel, visiting England quite frequently. He eventually decided to leave his business in Jamaica and move to England to attend a two year college for fashion design.

After college the travel bug bit him again and he relocated to the United States, this time landing him in Baltimore, Maryland. There he settled in and got a job working for a tailoring shop for the next eight years.

Cornel relocated once again to Connecticut where we are lucky to have him at our Best Cleaners North Haven location. He is very passionate about what he does and is incredibly skilled at his work. His customers not only appreciate his talent but his friendly smile.