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Mike Bauslaugh
"Times Reformer"

You should never stop learning new things.
That's been the key to success for Marina Malakhova, who operates Quick Needle on Colborne Street in Simcoe.
"I remember showing some clothes I had made for friends and for fashion shows," Malakhova recalled. "A friend of ours in Toronto — a university professor — encouraged me to open up my own business.
"He told me I could do very well."

Malakhova wasn't altogether comfortable with her English skills and some business expertise but sought help from Human Resources Development Canada as well as the Norfolk District Business Development Corporation.
She also counted heavily on help from her husband Anatoli Malakhov in opening her shop March 1.
"I went to lunchtime business meetings and listened and learned."

Some of her most important lessons include being honest with people, being kind and putting on a smile everyday.
"Them am always opportunities to learn in business."

Malakhova's first work was in a fashion house in a city of half a million people in Belarus. She had graduated as a seamstress and tailor and later earned distinction at a technology college where her craftsmanship was challenged at a higher level.
"You have to do quality work and people will come back."

Mike Bauslaugh
"Times-Reformer"

Marina Malakhova had some special guests as she zipped through some clothing repairs at her new dressmaking shop.
Her mother-in-law and a friend came through the door at the 17 Colborne Street North storefront, throwing money and blessed holy Water around the 37-square metre shop. They also brought some pastries.

"This is special," grinned Malakhova as her visitors made a presentation by wishing good luck on the new business.
Quick Needle, which opened March 1, is a dream come true for Malakhova, a Russian immigrant who has been in Simcoe for eight years with her family.
"When I was a youngster, I always had an interest in clothing," she said. "I wanted some different looks and because clothing is so hard to come by in Russia, I made my own.
"I've had a big dream of opening my own business in Canada. I couldn't speak English at all when I first came here but I am ready now."

She did a bit of business at her home and also worked for a stitching company at the Limeridge Mall in Hamilton in preparation for this special venture.
She plans to be open six days a week at her Colborne Street North business, keeping later hours on Fridays. She creates custom clothing, including dresses, jackets, pants, suits and children's clothing. She also does alterations and repairs.

Malakhova points to a photo of young ballerinas in bright costumes. The clothing is her handiwork. Nearby is a photo honouring her trophy win at the Norfolk County Fair for her custom-designed dress. Her front window has a display of some wedding and baptism pillows she has hand-stitched.
"I did a fashion show at Talbot Gardens last year," she said as she points to other photos.

Malakhova's training for her Canadian career is solid. She worked in a fashion house in Belarus, a big operation in a city of half a million people. She graduated as a seamstress and tailor and later earned distinction at a technology college where her craftsmanship was challenged at a higher level.
"I can offer both European and Canadian experience now," she said.
She picked the location on Colborne Street because it has a big window that looks out over the Colborne Street traffic.
"This is a very nice place and I like being downtown."