On a day like many others, Cristian and Katheryn Hermida shared a meal at their regular spot. Trying to start a business had left them with a very low budget, and Mr. K’s had the cheapest fried chicken sandwich and sweet tea they could find. Situated between Leather & Lace and an apartment building, the iconic ice cream shop, which closed in 2021, provided them with the sustenance they needed at a good price. But it was more than a fuel-up stop; the place often functioned as their conference room, a place where the two siblings could go to hash out business ideas.
After discussing their most recent contract with a local bridal boutique and how they could hold up their end of the deal, Katheryn Hermida excused herself to find a restroom. It was situated on the outside of the building, so would occasionally catch some Leather & Lace stragglers from time to time. No one was around that day, though, so there was nothing to explain the crisp $100 bill she found at her feet when she exited. It wasn’t there when she went in, yet here it was now. A stroke of luck on that day, the Hermidas decided to use the money to buy a small suitcase of supplies and Cristian Hermida made a stool to use for fittings. This unforeseen blessing would kickstart their formal attire alteration business.
Katheryn and Cristian Hermida had a lifetime of experience connected to fashion and clothes production. They were born in Ecuador, and their mom moved them to America for three years in their early childhood.
After she saved enough money, the family moved back to Ecuador to start an embroidered shirt business. They returned to New Jersey in 1995, where they lived and worked until a governmental change led to a number of once-booming fashion production factories there to close. The Hermidas moved further south, and their mom got a job at an alteration boutique. Before long, their mom and sister started an alteration business where the whole family would eventually work, including Katheryn and Christian.
When it came time for them to go out on their own, the two younger siblings decided they wanted to start something that would raise the standard of working conditions for production seamstresses and other staff. They wanted to make a difference in the industry and they launched an alteration business that was a safe and welcoming place for customers, but especially for employees.
The two envisioned a work environment that recognized those in the field as artists and provided an opportunity to learn, grow and obtain skills that they could use for the rest of their lives.
After the $100 that Katheryn Hermida found that day and a refresh of supplies, the two started on their first dress orders that would fulfill their contracted work orders. They didn’t even have a working space at the time. The only place they could manage was in the office space their sister graciously shared. The two were working 80-90 hours a week. It wasn’t great; they were sleep- and nutrition-deprived, and giant fluffy dresses, made up of countless layers of tulle, made it nearly impossible to work efficiently in the small space. They kept going, though, determined to uphold their side of the contract.
They knew they needed to find a space of their own. Katheryn Hermida remembered a local businessman she had met, and reached out to John Harmon. By the time they arrived at his office, he had a contract written up and ready for them to sign. “We got really lucky,” said Hermida. “Harmon just said he saw something in us.”
According to the siblings, Harmon’s eagerness came from the joy he had when he noticed young people pursuing such gigantic goals in a less than popular industry. With his contribution, their business only grew, and it would continue to expand over the next several years. Today, the Hermidas’ business is called the John Emily Studio, and it has two separate locations, one in Charlotte and the other in Lake Norman.
Their goal of supporting employees with excellent working conditions continues. Seamstresses are encouraged to take breaks to refuel. They are taught well and paid well. Their mother even works for them now.
According to the two siblings, the John Emily Studio is a place of mutual respect – every person here is valued for their contributions, and it shows in the work. The studio is known for being a place where people get the personal touch and expert work.
Katheryn Hermida remembers those long work hours and cheap business luncheons. “That time played into the strong partnership we have today.” Business is booming, and more growth and improvement are on the horizon – all started with $100 found on a sidewalk in South Charlotte.
Queens University News Service stories are prepared by students in the James L. Knight School of Communication with supervision and editing from faculty and staff. The James L. Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte provides the news service in support of local community news.s.
