We had the good fortune of connecting with Raha Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Starting my own business was always a possibility for me because I watched my parents reinvent themselves many times. My parents came to the US in 1975 so that my father could finish his Masters in engineering and then they could go back to Iran. However, the revolution occurred in 1979, and they could no longer return because they were members of the Bahai Faith. They stayed in the US with the suitcase that they had brought with them.

My mother was a business owner as far back as I could remember. I was 5 (some time in the 80s) when she used to take me to her clients’ homes, such as Mrs. McCormick of McCormick Spices, members of Senator Bentsen’s family, and many of the top 10 best-dressed women of Houston. As a 5-year-old, that world was so fascinating and beautiful. I loved seeing the dresses that my mother would design. So regal. I remember one evening dress she made with a giant bow on the back. My five year old self was in princess heaven. Her business also came with a lot of perks. When I couldn’t get a cabbage patch kid because they were sold out everywhere, Mrs. Kellaway got me 3 of them. I was the coolest kid on the block.

 

Fast forward 30 years, I found myself in a very sticky situation. I was laid off from my job as a journalist, in the middle of a divorce, and my parents were separating. My entire world was crumbling. So, I turned to my mom and asked, “What do I do?” She said, “Why don’t you manage my friends and I? We can’t manage the alterations appointments with all these celebrities.” And that’s how this business started. It organically mushroomed into what it is today, and I love running it. I have tailors in LA, NY, Atlanta, DC, and New Jersey. Our clients are the most well known, notable stylists and brands in the world. That same little 5-year-old in me is excited every single day because I get to interact with the creators of some of the most beautiful looks in the world, and I get to be a part of creating images that are viewed by millions of people worldwide.

Having said all of that, the most satisfying part of running my own business is that I saw a window into a world where I could create my own work/life balance. I consider it a blessing that I can drop off and pick up my son from school and help him with his homework. That meant a lot to me as a newly minted single mom and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

We started Tailor Here in 2016 when we realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality tailoring services that could cater to the specific needs of the fashion industry, particularly in intricate tailoring and alterations for luxury brands. We wanted to create a platform for stylists, designers, and celebrities to find and book tailors with the experience, expertise, and creativity to transform their visions into reality.

We are proud of the work we have done so far and the relationships we’ve built with some of the most influential people and brands in the fashion industry.

We have faced challenges, but staying true to our vision and values helped us stay innovative and creative in finding solutions and opportunities, always putting our clients first and delivering on our promises. This commitment to craftsmanship helps us maintain our reputation and credibility in this dynamic industry.

One of the most important lessons I learned in this business is always to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and demands. We love what we do, and part of that is communicating with our clients and tailors – to listen to their needs and expectations, as well as their preferences, and provide feedback and guidance while trusting our client’s vision and our tailor’s skills.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend came to visit me, I would treat her to a fun girly day. We would probably start with a rejuvenating workout at Lek on La Brea in the morning, followed by a banana mocha smoothie from Toast. After that, we would pamper ourselves a little with a mani/pedi at Beverly Hills Nail Design. We would also go for a fun shopping spree at a cool vintage spot like Kit Vintage on Beverly Blvd. If it’s summertime, we would probably head to Annenberg Beach to enjoy the sun and maybe even a salad at the cafe.

Choosing the perfect restaurant would be quite a task because there are so many great options. However, here are my top picks:

  • Sugarfish (sushi) or KazuNori, if we’re in the mood for sushi

  • Rose Cafe in Venice

  • Jones on 3rd for their chinese chicken salad

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My parents Nanaz and Farid Hatami, supported me my whole life and I firmly believed that I could do anything I put my mind to because of their support. They were instrumental in my choice to create this business. In fact the primary purpose of the business is for me to keep my mother’s legacy alive. I would consider her one of the best designers and dressmakers in the world, and there are many who would refuse to step on the red carpet unless she fits them in their gown.

My husband Jerome is my rock and our son Cy is the centerpiece of our family. I remarried in April 2021, and it was the best decision I ever made. My husband has taught us to create a stress-free home, that we are all able to enjoy. My son is my mirror and my favorite reminder that I am a work in progress. He pushes me to be the best version of myself and for that I am grateful. But that would be the subject of a different article or maybe even a book.

My younger brother Ryan Hatami in Australia, who actually always acted like an older brother, has always been a pillar for me and a voice of reason. He was the reasonable one, and I was the impulsive one, so he has and always will balance me out. And his wife Anisa Hatami has been my personal stylist on more than one occasion.  She knows her brands (up and coming and long standing) and she has been such a great influence on me. I wont get started on their three kids Zane, Jesse and Layla, I would do anything for them.

Dr. Habib Sadeghi and Sabrina Jones, have truly changed my life.  If you’re serious about being in love and acceptance with yourself, look them up. Brian Liou, my business coach and very good friend has helped me transform the business in ways I didn’t even know possible. Thank you!

I love my clients so much and I wish I could mention them all, but that list is too long. However, I would like to mention Amanda Reno, Caroline Edison, Zoe Heller, Danielle Goldberg, Wayman and Micah, Jennifer Mazur, Paula Abdul, Amelia Woods, Sandy Sholl, Jessica Margolis, Ryan Hastings, Alison Edmond, Leila Baboi, and Rosilind O’Connor. I want to thank them for their tremendous support throughout the years. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Website: https://tailorhere.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailorhere/?next=%2F

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