Louisa Konstantino will fix a hole in your pants and shirt and alter your prom or wedding dress. Maria Shaprio will give you a quick cut and trim, but please show up with clean hair.
You can find both women working at the Easton Senior Center on various days. They are Senior Center members who offer their skill and services to the greater community, not just to seniors.
Konstantino takes alterations by appointment. Clothing is returned about one week after drop off and costs a modest fee. But the time and cost can vary based on the item’s size and how extensive the alteration is.
“It depends on what I’m doing,” said Konstantino.
Konstantino tailors clothes at a time when the number of seamstresses nationwide are hard to come by. In 2022, there were approximately 20,500 tailors and dressmakers in the United States, down from 27,000 in 2013, according to statista.com.
“I’m so sad to say it’s kind of a dying profession,” said Konstantino. “It’s an art. You must know what you’re doing. Clothing needs to be properly fit on your body. It’s a lot of work, very intense work.”
She’s been deft with a needle and thread ever since her Turkish grandmother inspired her to begin sewing while she lived in Europe. She was given just a few pieces of fabric and a sewing needle and made her first pair of pants at 10 years old. She’s been designing, sewing and doing alterations ever since. She was a clothing and fashion designer at Mitchell’s in Westport for 11 years.
Konstantino has gained popularity through word of mouth from surrounding town residents, and most of her advertising is done through the satisfaction expressed by her customers.
“I have clients from everywhere,” said Konstantino. “Everybody is welcome to come.”
Shapiro cuts hair by appointment every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. She charges $20 for women and $15 for men. She sees about six or seven people during that time.
Just like Konstantino, Shapiro’s appointments are all handled through the front desk at the Senior Center and residents must call to book her.
“It makes me feel good to provide a service that I feel is helping someone and making something a little easier for someone,” said Shapiro. “It’s closer and faster than getting anywhere else, which for some seniors is a big deal.”
Shapiro does not provide the full wash and blow dry experience. Her services mostly consist of quick cuts and trims, as she is only at the Senior Center for three hours. She also asks customers to come in with clean hair.
“I like to try to take care of as many people as I can in that short time,” said Shapiro.
Outside of her work at the Senior Center, Shapiro cuts hair in Darien as her primary job.
If you would like to book an appointment with Konstantino or Shapiro call the center at (203) 268-1145 and also visit their website for their scheduled days.
