The Jessalli Story
Hi, I’m Sophia, the proprietor and creator of Jessalli. I've been sewing since I was 4 years old thanks to my Mum and Nana. They both made clothes, bags, cushions, gifts, fixed all our clothes and stitched our buttons back on. It was normal to me to hear the whirr of my mum’s sewing machine whilst we watched cartoons on the telly.
Because of this I naturally gravitated towards sewing and crafts when I was young. I used to do little sewing kits and cross stitch art on rainy days. I made all three of my prom dresses (yes 3 proms!) and numerous costumes over the years.
After school I took a year out in Australia, working with the most amazing woman who spurred me on to fulfil my dreams. I worked with her in Sydney making small handmade garments for children in her dreamy little shop. Which I then helped her to turn into a sewing school for the local community. Her passion and excitement for teaching people how to sew will never be lost on me.
When I came home I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I started Jessalli (Jess and Alli) in 2011 making handmade soft furnishings and gifts. Personalisation was my speciality. I worked two part time jobs and went to craft fairs at the weekends. It was A LOT. I got so busy I took over my Parents’ living room with stock, sewing tables and supplies. So after a year they ‘gently’ encouraged me to find a workshop. So I found a workshop before I moved out! Priorities!
After years of making and sewing (and with constant requests) I started teaching. I've taught so many wonderful people of all ages and have worked with some incredible brands and businesses too. We created the Sew Jessalli Sewing School in 2018. It took us almost a year to finish the premises and open up. But the hard work was all worth it. Sew Jessalli became a hub of sewing and creativity for 5 years. We created our own local community of makers and I am forever grateful and proud of what we achieved.
I’ve learnt a lot over the years and am so proud of how far Jessalli has come. From growing Jessalli Handmade, to creating the Sew Jessalli Sewing School & Shop and now going back to my online content. Here's to many more creative years.
Love Sophia x
Proud owner of Jessalli
