Bowling Green seamstress named the Senate Small Business of the Week

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -A Bowling Green small business is being recognized nationally this week.

Friday morning, Senator Rand Paul named Imogene’s Alterations as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Meet the lovely seamstress Imogene Garmon.

She has been sewing and snipping for around 33 years and is still working at her own business at 88 years old.

Imogene says she never expected to be recognized by such an honor.

“I’m honored that somebody thought of me. It was just sort of a shock,” said Imogene.

She is the mother of two, grandmother of three and the great grandmother of three.

Her son, Tim Garmon says he is over the moon seeing his mother getting honored in such a way.

“I was in radio for 30 years and I’m speechless right now,” said Tim Garmon.

Imogene says he she really enjoys altering pants but says making alterations on complicated wedding gowns can be difficult, although she is up for the challenge!

For the seamstress, the best part of owning the business is interacting with her clients.

“I enjoy my customers my customers it’s just like family and I feel like I do a lot of them an honor to do some things for them that they can’t do themselves,” said Imogene.

“I’m very proud of her I really am,” said Tim Garmon.

Imogene expects to continue on with her business as long as she can.

Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:

Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Imogene’s Alterations of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as the Senate Small Business of the Week

Located on Nutwood Street, Imogene’s Alterations has served Bowling Green, Kentucky for over 20 years. Imogene Garmon, a longtime Bowling Green resident, embarked on her first career in the grocery sector. After 33 years working at the Kroger meat counter, she was ready for a new challenge. A self-taught seamstress, Imogene began selling fabric and doing minor alterations after leaving Kroger. Seeing a business opportunity, Imogene went on to establish a fabric shop. She thrived as a small business owner, serving the greater Bowling Green community. Word spread quickly of Imogene’s talent as a seamstress. Request for alterations poured in, including everything from everyday clothing to suits and ball gowns. To meet the demand, Imogene decided to focus solely on alterations. She established Imogene’s Alterations, providing full-time alterations for men and women’s clothing.

Today, Imogene’s Alterations continues providing alterations for all types of events and special occasions. This woman-owned business has grown along with the area, moving into its current location at Nutwood Street about twenty years ago. Customers are welcomed by name, and treated like family. At 88 years old, Imogene continues to be involved in every aspect of her business. From operating the store to sewing alterations, her care and attention to detail are evident in her work. Her strong sense of family has built a tight-knit, supportive team.

Like many entrepreneurs, Imogene established a successful business while building community. As a mother, grandmother, and aunt, Imogene raised and continues to mentor generations of her family. Remarkably, Imogene founded Imogene’s Alterations in her 60s. It took innovation and courage to pursue her goal, switching from the grocery industry which she knew well, to the tailoring sector.

Imogene’s Alterations is a remarkable example of the resilience and adaptability of locally-owned small businesses. Small businesses like Imogene’s Alterations form the heart of cities and towns across Kentucky. Congratulations to Imogene and the entire team at Imogene’s Alterations. I wish them the best of luck, and I look forward to watching their continued growth and success in Kentucky.