Three Minutes Across the Counter with Nancy Sinoway

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today we chat with Nancy Sinoway, the owner of Port Washington-based Nancy Sinoway Tailoring and Alterations Studio, located at 334 Main Street in Port Washington.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Nancy Sinoway: I graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago majoring in Fashion Design. In 1975 I started my own children’s wear collection / manufacturing business in Chicago. Our company Jessica Trek Ltd. sold to Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Ave. (even had a full window display on 5th Ave.), Bergdorf’s and many other upscale children’s boutiques across the country and Europe. We also were on the cover of Vogue Bambini. In 1985 we sold our company to a French Children’s wear Manufacturer.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

Nancy Sinoway: We were always raised in our family to be entrepreneurs, self-employed and to nurture what we loved and did best. This advice served me well, for I have always been a creative, successful entrepreneur my whole career in business life.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Nancy Sinoway: My family has lived in Port Washington for close to 30 years. My daughter went through all of the Port school system. We have watched our community grow into a young and prosperous town. We love Port Washington.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about living here?

Nancy Sinoway: The beauty of the waterfront, which is at our fingertips daily. The sunsets, the community-like feeling and living and working in this lovely town. I appreciate the quaintness of lower Main St. and how we have strived to maintain the footprint landscape of our water town.

Patch: What’s a business mistake you’ve made that later you were glad you did?

Nancy Sinoway: Frankly my business mistakes have been minimal. Where I learn something new everyday I am fortunate that the decisions I have made have been fruitful, fulfilling and community-like. I have no regrets.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don’t know.

Nancy Sinoway: I have the most beautiful organic kitchen garden tucked away in my backyard. I love to cook, paint, garden in the privacy of my “secret garden.”

Patch: What is the best business advice you ever received?

Nancy Sinoway: Be honest, be kind and up front, and business will come, again and again and again.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business just starting out?

Nancy Sinoway: Work, work and more work. Be dedicated, always honest, be well-informed and first and foremost an expert at your craft. That will be your business reputation and legacy going forward.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Nancy Sinoway: People that are passionate about their work, excellent work ethic, and a love for what they do everyday.