THIS International Women’s Day, The Clare Echo is shining a light on inspiring women in our community—women who turn their passions into businesses, who create, innovate, and leave a lasting impact.
One of them is Tatjana Merzvinska, a woman with golden hands and a vision that’s changing the way we think about fashion in County Clare.
A Life Stitched with Passion
Tatjana’s story begins in Latvia, where, at just 16 years old, she stepped into the world of sewing and never looked back. She worked with lingerie, dresses, jackets, menswear, leather, fur, furniture upholstery, even footwear—if it involved fabric and craftsmanship, she mastered it.
Then life took an unexpected turn. Nearly eighteen years ago, a holiday in Ireland turned into a new chapter. She fell in love with the country and decided to stay. But starting fresh wasn’t easy.
She worked in hospitality before eventually returning to what she knew best—sewing.
It was during her time doing clothing alterations that she noticed a problem. Too many clothes were being tossed away when they could have been saved, reshaped, or even transformed into something completely new. That’s how The Atelier for Clothing Repairs was born—a place where garments get a second chance, and creativity knows no limits.
Breathing New Life into Old Clothes
At The Atelier, fixing clothes isn’t just about stitching up a tear or replacing a zipper. Tatjana and her small but talented team reinvent garments, turning forgotten pieces into something fresh and stylish.
A jacket from the ‘90s? Reshaped into a modern statement piece.
A pair of old jeans? Transformed into a one-of-a-kind outfit.
A sentimental dress that no longer fits? Reworked so it can be worn and loved again.
In 2024, Tatjana showcased her work at People with Passion, an event that celebrates creativity and sustainable fashion. There, she proved that upcycled fashion can be just as stylish as anything off a designer runway—if not more.
Your Wardrobe, Reimagined
Now, Tatjana is taking her passion one step further with a new service—“Wardrobe Reimagined.” Instead of bringing clothes to her shop, she’ll come to you.
Imagine this: instead of staring at a wardrobe full of clothes you never wear, Tatjana helps you see the hidden potential in every piece. A dress that’s too long? Shortened into a chic
tunic. A forgotten blazer? Tailored to perfection. A collection of mismatched items? Combined into something totally unique.
“Fashion isn’t about buying more—it’s about falling in love with what you already have,” Tatjana says.
With this service, she hopes to inspire more people to embrace creativity over consumption, proving that fashion can be both personal and sustainable.
More Than Just a Business
For Tatjana, The Atelier is more than just a shop—it’s a community. It’s a place where local artisans share their skills, where fabrics are given new life, and where people discover the joy of truly owning their style.
This International Women’s Day, The Clare Echo celebrates the women who are shaping our world in their own unique ways. Tatjana Merzvinska isn’t just repairing clothes—she’s
changing the way we see fashion, one stitch at a time.
Want to reimagine your wardrobe?
Visit The Atelier in Shannon or Ennis, and let’s create something new from the old—together.
