In high school, Julia Kleeman went to work in a tailor and bridal shop in her hometown of Oskaloosa, Iowa and it was a profession she always fell back on.  She has worked for Ben Simons, Landons and Rothchilds and learned from the best.  With the knowledge she gained from those positions, she decided to become her own boss after Rothchilds closed and opened Tailoring by Julia in her home.  She takes on a variety of sewing projects from home décor to bridal wear.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced professionally?
When I worked for the men’s stores in town I had a customer base there to serve.
Building a customer base for my own business and getting referrals has been the biggest challenge and the most rewarding.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Building my customer base and keeping my referrals coming is my most important achievement and the base of my business. I enjoy meeting new customers and all the variety of projects and solutions that come my way.

Tell me a little about your family.
My husband Randy retired this year from BNSF after 30 years and now spends his time hunting fishing and traveling, and I get to go sometimes!  I have two grown sons who live out of town.  Shawn lives in Portland and works for Regency and loves the northwest. My other son Kyle lives in Des Moines and works in a music store and is in two bands. He enjoys the Des Moines music scene.  I have family members all over the country to visit and keep in touch with.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning point of your life?
When I decided to work for myself instead of someone else. I enjoy meeting new people and building my business.  No two jobs are ever the same.  I hated to see the demise of the little local men’s stores disappear and have had to reinvest in my own talents as a tailor to survive. Every day is a learning process and challenge to succeed.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Go to various festivals.

What are you the most proud of?
Starting my own business.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Have confidence in yourself.

What is the goal you would most like to accomplish?
Finish the quilt I have started.

How would your friends describe you?
An old soul.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in daily work life?
I like to invent recipes and use the fruits from my garden.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Computer and keyboard skills.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Not be so shy.

What is your favorite book?
The book I am reading now, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

What is your favorite movie?
A River Runs Through It

What is your favorite TV show?
The Amazing Race

What is your favorite Restaurant?
Misty’s

If you could have dinner with a famous person who would it be?
Hillary Clinton. The most important woman in the world.

What is the best way to reach you?
Call 402-217-0502 or email me at LincolnMasterTailor@gmail.com