Inspiring Conversations with Dy-Min Chanel of Tailored by Dy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dy-Min Chanel.

Hi Dy-Min, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up so closely with my Granny – sewing has always been a part of my life and a natural extension of my self expression. I never shopped at the mall for events and special occasions. I always went to Joann’s instead. I’d pick my pattern and fabric then have Granny sew it for me, She’d make me cut everything myself though (haha).

I started “officially” pursuing my creative career like any millennial by starting a style and fashion blog after graduating college. I wish I still had the photos. Through that blog I realized I wanted to seriously pursue a career in fashion/retail and create a clothing brand in my hometown Detroit, MI. I started upcycling & reworking thrifted clothes into new one of a kind pieces in 2016/2017. By 2021 I opened a brick and mortar store, Not Sorry Goods to house those pieces along with other local artists and goods.

While working in the shop I’d offer to tailor and mend garments to customers in an effort to help close the sale. And it worked. I didn’t think much of it at the time but Tailored by Dy has now become my full time business in LA. I moved here about 1.5 years ago to start over and see who I was as a creative and as a person. I’ve always been drawn to the west coast and wanted to see what I could create without being boxed into a box or category.

When the fires hit in January of this year, I was left without any real income. I couldn’t do pop ups to sell clothes and events were cancelled left and right for styling gigs. Also it felt really silly to be asking people to buy clothes or styling when people were losing their homes. During this time I had a friend reach out about tailoring and I obliged. I packed up my sewing machine as I evacuated to make sure I got it done. That friend loved my work, referred me to another and from there my business began.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In many ways tailoring has been an easy path for me but in other ways it can be extremely challenging. I used to always say that learning is my true skill and boy have I been put to the test. Everyday I learn something new whether I want to or not haha.

I enjoy working one on one with people and creating custom garments. It’s been fun to still honor and be in alignment with my passion for upcycling without needing to sell a new piece. It’s an even more sustainable practice for me and I live for the client’s transformations.

The toughest thing has been learning to charge my worth and dealing with unexpected machine repairs. Taking clothes apart and putting them back together takes time AND skill. I refuse to compete on price and I won’t base my price off of what someone else paid for a garment. I said what I said. This mindset has taken me awhile to get to especially since we’re living an era where clothing can be bought for so cheap. But tailoring skills are rare in today’s society and deserve every penny.

And these sewing machines breakdowns, don’t even get me started. Let’s just see that me and my repair guy have a good relationship.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tailored by Dy?
Tailored by Dy is a private LA studio offering tailoring, alterations, upcycling, customs and consultations.

I typically work one on one with clients but am available for being on set or traveling, just shoot me an email.

I’m not like a regular tailor, I’m a cool tailor ( at least that’s what my clients say). With a creative background in styling and upcycling I’m always up for a unique project. This month alone I’ve created a custom veil durag, cut and sew dresses + pants, bridal alterations, custom bespoke suit, and a dog cushion. Along with your typical hems and waist take ins.

I’m most proud of my ability to turn a client’s vision into reality and am so grateful that I have the trust of so many. Check out all my 5 star google reviews. I really like to do my best and strive for my clients to have the best outcomes. I think you can feel that in every stitch.

I want readers to know that
1. investing in good tailoring is worth it!
2. There’s nothing wrong with your body, most clothes simply don’t fit regardless if you’re short or tall, skinny or thick.
I’ve helped so many fall back in love with their wardrobes by giving them the perfect fit. And I’d be happy to help you to!

How do you define success?
Right now, success for me is being able to dictate my own schedule AND still pay my bills. I love going to the park or to grab a matcha in the middle of the day on a random Tuesday. Not being obliged to anyone else’s structure or routine works much better for me and keeps me in flow. Too much routine feels like a cage in my opinion. Sometimes I sew till 4am and sometimes I wake up at 4am but it’s all up to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/diyminchanel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Diyminchanel/
• Other: https://share.google/IJDIJl5Pg8cLykyWy

Image Credits
Kai Byrd Photography
Kaiya Maye
Deidre H. Golbourne