Shirley Lataille, a resident of Madison, has transformed her love for sewing into a thriving business, connecting with customers through her creative alterations and repairs. Her journey from a challenging past to fulfilling work exemplifies resilience and the power of community support.
Lataille, who learned to sew at age 14, faced significant hardships after the death of her mother. Despite numerous obstacles, including a difficult marriage and health issues, she has found solace and purpose in her craft. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2012, she has also dealt with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and diabetes, leading to her disability since 2014.
“The Madison Area Health Center has helped me so much,” Lataille said. “They helped me rebuild my life, slowly.” With the encouragement of her sister, she started her journey as a traveling seamstress. However, the rising cost of gas made it challenging to continue that approach.
In October 2023, Lataille set up her sewing machine at the West Farmington Grange Hall, where she now operates every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Her service quickly gained popularity, with customers returning for various projects. She offers a range of services, from minor alterations to more complex requests, which she can take home if needed.
One satisfied customer, Maili Bailey from Skowhegan, picked up several completed projects on December 6. Bailey had learned about Lataille’s services at the Grange hall’s indoor flea market and was thrilled to find a new seamstress after her previous one retired. “You just think of all these things that pile up at home undone,” Bailey noted.
Another customer, 65-year-old William Bishop, who has impersonated Elvis Presley for 56 years, visited Lataille to have a new zipper fitted on his homemade jumpsuit. After struggling to find someone to assist him, he was pleased with Lataille’s craftsmanship. “She did a great job,” he said after inspecting the work, which cost him $15. Since starting her business, Lataille has replaced 45 zippers, showcasing her ability and creativity.
Lataille believes that sewing has a therapeutic effect, helping her manage her mental health. “Sewing helps with my mental illness,” she explained. “It puts me in a creative mode rather than focusing on my disability.” She hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges to seek joy through creative outlets.
With her business steadily growing, Lataille continues to encourage customers to express their creativity. “That will not only put you in a better place, it’ll help you feel good,” she said. “I’m proud of my work. I can feel my Mom being proud.”
As she builds her reputation in the community, Lataille exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, turning personal challenges into a source of inspiration for others.
