Sew good for the planet!

A Russian seamstress and a workspace provider are teaming up for a green initiative.

Olga Voytenko is a Russian asylum seeker living in a Direct Provision centre who has been in Cork for three years.

Last December, she opened her first sewing studio in Cork city through the assistance of John Dennehy, Chairman and Founder of Zartis and a member of Glandore.

John recommended Olga to Glandore, who have now committed to hiring Olga for her superb seamstress skills on 12 February.

The relationship comes as a part of Glandore’s ongoing sustainability drive which aims to achieve an eco-friendlier workspace. Using Olga’s expertise, they hope to encourage their members to repair clothes instead of dumping and buying into fast fashion, subsequently reducing carbon and clothing waste.

In keeping with its efforts to support women in business, Glandore will welcome Olga to its Cork offices, where members can schedule an appointment to have clothing looked at.

Light repair work and tacking will be carried out on-site and clothing will be then taken to Olga’s studio for further repairs if needed. Garments will be returned to the office 4-5 days later. This will be the latest addition to Glandore’s array of member perks and services, which already include visits to its offices from a barber and a hairdresser. Glandore also organise a fitness instructor and masseuse to pop by.

Danielle Healy, Sales Manager at Glandore said: “Not only do we think the addition of clothing repair work is a great sustainability initiative, but it also allows us to continue to support female entrepreneurs. We are a predominantly female-led business, so it is imperative that we are able to give other women the opportunity to thrive in business."

Olga’s studio is located at 19 Patrick’s Hill. Visit her website at sewingstudio.ie.