Story & Lesson Highlights with Darya Fomina of Irvine

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Darya Fomina. Check out our conversation below.

Darya, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts bright and early at 5:30 a.m. I am one of those people who wakes up ready to go, no snooze button needed! The first thing I do is take my two adorable French Bulldog puppies for their morning walk. It’s the perfect way to clear my head and get some fresh air before the busy day ahead.

After we’re back home, I shower and get ready, then dive into my strict daily Pilates routine combined with time on my walking pad. Staying disciplined with exercise keeps me energized and focused, especially important when I’m handling intricate bridal alterations and wedding gown fittings later in the day.

Next, I check my emails and respond to any inquiries that came in overnight, whether from brides planning their Orange County weddings or clients needing quick alterations.

Then it’s time to prepare a healthy breakfast for my family. We all sit down together to eat, catch up, and start the day on a positive note. After that, we hop in the car and I drive my son to high school.

These first 90 minutes set a calm, productive tone for everything that follows—whether it’s transforming a dream wedding dress or spending time with my loved ones.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am Darya Fomina, master seamstress and owner of Darya’s Bridal Alterations (also known as Darya Fomina, Inc.) in Irvine, California. For over 25 years, I honed my craft in the heart of New York City, creating custom couture costumes for Broadway shows, national tours, Hollywood films, and major streaming productions. When the pandemic paused that world, I brought my expertise home to Orange County and Los Angeles County, opening a boutique atelier dedicated exclusively to bridal and formal gown alterations.

What sets my studio apart is the same precision and artistry I once poured into Broadway and red-carpet creations now focused entirely on making every bride feel extraordinary on her wedding day.

We specialize in intricate, high-end alterations for wedding gowns, mothers’ dresses, and bridal party attire, offering same-day consultations, eco-friendly practices, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Every stitch is done with care, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of couture construction that most seamstresses simply don’t have.

Today, I’m proud to serve brides throughout Southern California with a small, dedicated team in our Irvine studio. We’re also expanding our line of custom couture bridal robes and continuing to build lasting relationships with local bridal salons.

My goal is simple: to help every client walk down the aisle in a gown that fits perfectly and reflects their unique beauty. Turning what can be a stressful part of wedding planning into a joyful, confidence-boosting experience

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling truly powerful isn’t tied to a big achievement. It is rooted in survival and quiet strength during a time of huge uncertainty.

I was born in Moscow, Russia,

I spent my high school years in Ukraineband went to college back in Moscow.

Life in the former Soviet Union during those collapsing years was chaotic, filled with corruption, instability, and real danger for many families, including ours.

When we made the courageous decision to leave everything behind and immigrate to America in search of safety and opportunity, I was still quite young.

In those moments of transition, packing up our lives, facing the unknown, adapting to a completely new country, language, and culture.
I first felt a deep sense of inner power. It wasn’t loud or triumphant; it was the realization that I could endure hardship, stay resilient, and help hold my family together through fear and change.

That experience taught me that true strength comes from within, even when the world around you feels unsteady.

That early lesson has stayed with me through every challenge since—whether mastering couture craftsmanship in New York’s demanding Broadway and Hollywood worlds, or building my own bridal alterations atelier in Orange County from the ground up.

It reminds me every day that no matter what, I have the power to adapt, create, and thrive.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most, at different chapters of my life, has been the fear of starting over from zero.

When we left the former Soviet Union because of corruption and real danger, I was young, and everything familiar disappeared overnight: friends, language, security, plans for the future.

That fear of the unknown, of building a new life in America with nothing but determination lingered quietly for years.

Later, after spending more than 25 years climbing to the top of my craft in New York, creating couture costumes for Broadway, national tours, and Hollywood productions, the pandemic suddenly paused that entire world. I found myself facing the same fear again: What if I leave this hard-earned career behind and start something completely new in California. All this, but at an age when many people slow down?

The thought of building a bridal alterations business from scratch, in a new state, with no local network, was terrifying. What if I failed? What if all those years of expertise didn’t translate? What if brides didn’t trust me with their once-in-a-lifetime gowns?

That fear definitely held me back for a little while—I hesitated, second-guessed, waited for the “perfect” moment. But eventually I realized that starting over wasn’t a step backward; it was proof of the resilience I’d already built. So I took the leap, opened my Irvine atelier, and poured every bit of my couture experience into serving brides.

Looking back, that fear has been my greatest teacher. Every time I’ve faced it and moved forward anyway, I’ve grown stronger and created something even more meaningful. Today, I’m grateful for it, because overcoming it led me exactly where I’m meant to be.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m deeply committed to is launching Enrob’e, our line of custom couture bridal robes at Darya Fomina, Inc.

Beyond our core service of professional alterations for bridal and formal gowns, I have been developing Enrob’e for nearly a year. Each wedding robe is crafted to the bride’s exact measurements using the finest hand-picked fabrics, ensuring timeless elegance and comfort.

I’m passionate about this because it allows brides to feel luxurious and confident during their getting-ready moments—and beyond. I’m building the website now and plan a grand opening in our Southern California studio this summer, with potential national expansion later.

No matter the time it takes, I’m dedicated to perfecting Enrob’e and bringing this vision to life.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I have spent over 25 years pouring my heart into every stitch, every alteration, and every custom gown—whether it’s a bride’s dream dress or a formal piece that needs to be flawless.

Much of this work is quiet and unseen: late nights in the studio, endless fittings, redesigning details until they’re perfect. Not every client knows the full extent of the effort, and praise doesn’t always come in the moment (or sometimes at all). But that’s never been what drives me.

I do my best because the work itself demands it, because a bride deserves to feel absolutely confident on her day, and because excellence is part of who I am. It’s about my own standards, the pride I take in my craft, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’ve given something truly beautiful and lasting.

External praise is wonderful when it happens, but it’s never the reason I show up fully. I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from within, from doing the job with integrity even when no one else sees the full picture.

This mindset has carried me through challenges, from transitioning from Broadway and Hollywood costumes to building my own atelier in Irvine. It’s what keeps me going, day after day, and it’s made every gown that leaves my studio feel like a personal victory.

So yes, I can, and I do. Every single time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daryafominainc.com
• Instagram: @daryafominainc
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/lQtlIJXhD9

Image Credits
Darya Fomina