A Full Circle Journey from Apprentice to Instructor with Erika Ipanaque
Founder of Erika Ipanaque Atelier
Introducing Erika Ipanaque
From the first moment Erika answered the doorbell to her home studio - wearing a simple white tee, effortless linen pants, and with a kind smile and measuring tape slung over her shoulder (caught between strands of dark curls), I have been mesmerized by this small-business owner’s energy, creativity, love for learning, and dedication to her community and craft. Over the course of a few visits to Erika for dress alterations, I have had the pleasure of gleaning tidbits of her journey to sewing and entrepreneurship, oftentimes accompanied by Peruvian music and dance in the other rooms around the house. After all, dance was her first love, and something she deeply nourishes in her home and with her two children.
A little bit about Erika: Erika Ipanaque grew up in Lima, Peru. While her childhood home was filled with music and dance (much like hers today), you could not find a needle or thread if you tried. It was actually not until Erika moved to San Francisco, CA in August of 1998 that she discovered the curious art of sewing. As she became accustomed to America and the San Francisco Bay Area through the grace of new friendships, mentors, community gatherings, dance, art, and non-profit spaces, she also sought out new skills. Stumbling upon a basic sewing class at city college in 2000, she never looked back.Â
Her small-business journey first began with the realization that this new skill would help her repair and upcycle her own clothing, alter the lengths of pants and skirts, and even transform items like blouses into something that felt custom-made. As she learned and perfected new stitches and techniques, her family and friends came knocking with their own garment projects. Soon, others in the community started paying her for hemmings and alterations. Fast forward to today, Erika has built a client base ranging from youth and adult dance groups, to those seeking ready-to-wear and formal wear alterations.  Â
In this short feature, Erika shares more about her path to entrepreneurship in her own words.Â
How did you become a sewist?Â
Erika: Back in 2000, I was working full-time at a real estate company in the accounting department and going to school part-time at the San Francisco City College, taking general education and dance classes (a lifelong passion of mine). While deciding what courses I would take, Fashion Merchandising piqued my interest, so I decided to give it a try.Â
In the second semester, we were required to take a basic sewing class, something I’ve never been exposed to. I was a little intimidated at first, but excited at the same time (I had no experience at ALL!).Â
When the first day of class rolled around, I strolled onto the San Francisco City College’s Evans Campus [a hub for technical trades education], and was in total awe of the campus. It was like a big warehouse. There was a section for carpentry, electric and custodial work, construction, automotive repair, and - of course - an area for sewing. The energy was incredible! Everywhere I looked there were sewing machines, sergers, industrial machines, ironing boards, and large cutting tables.
And then, there was my instructor, Camille. Now, looking back, I feel so blessed that I met her. She inspired me so much that, since that first day, I decided to enroll in as many sewing classes as I could.Â
After you learned to sew, what was your journey to starting your own garment alteration business and teaching studio?Â
Erika: One year, my sewing instructor Wendy Miller - whom I have learned so much from - posted a position for an internship to help her make costumes for San Francisco’s annual Carnaval celebration. So, I signed up.
As I made more costumes and learned more skills over the years, I started branching off as an independent sewist for SF Carnaval. I ended up making costumes for many years, mainly for the Latin Dance Grooves (LDG) group and the Brazilian Carnaval dance and percussion company Fogo Na Roupe. Making costumes gives me a different perspective on sewing!
Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was blessed to discover online classes at the Latina Center, based in Richmond, CA, hosted in collaboration with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. These classes were meant to educate, inspire and prepare people in the community to open a small business, including how to build new skills, manage business finances and legal paperwork, and understand the market.Â
With the support, mentorship, and learnings from this program, I officially started Erika Ipanaque Atelier in 2021.Â
How would you describe your connection with your community?
Erika: One of the things I learned moving to America is how important a community is. Over the years, I found non profit organizations that helped me in all different ways, supported me to adjust to a new society, make new friendships and connections, and discover new hobbies (like dancing and reading). This has inspired me to help others as well.
In 2018, I started volunteering at The Latina Center, teaching women how to use a sewing machine and how to alter their own clothes. Being able to share my knowledge with my community is very important for me.Â
It feels good to give back!Â
Can you share an emotional milestone of growing as a sewist and business founder?Â
Erika: One of the main challenges I’ve experienced in sustaining my business is the marketing and accounting components. I realized that, if I want to grow my business, I need to have an open mind and learn new skills that are not related to sewing at all.Â
Reflecting on the past years, though, I know I have come a long way. I now have a business website, logo, and business license…and, you can even find me on Google Maps at Erika Ipanaque Atelier (and write a review!)Â
On top of all that, I am a mompreneur and feel proud to be able to have a business and take care of my family as well. I am really happy with what I have accomplished.Â
Looking into the future, what are you excited for next and where can people find you?Â
Erika: Next month (in October 2024), I'll be publishing a series of sewing classes on my website and also posting a schedule for private classes! In November, I'll also be posting more sewing tutorials on Basic Sewing (in Spanish). I am really looking forward to all these opportunities. Â
Thank you so much, Erika, for the kindness you bring to your work, the creativity you bring to the community, and the spirit you bring to teaching and paving the way forward.
Dear readers, if you have not had the pleasure of visiting Erika at her home studio, you can check out her service offerings on the Erika Ipanaque Atelier website and her new sewing classes opening up in October. Thanks for reading, and happy community-gathering!