Hi, I’m Effat, one of Olana’s dressmakers. I sew our ready-to-wear pieces for each collection. When I’m not working on building our stock pieces, I work on bespoke, made-to-measure orders, making special pieces for individual customer.
I trained in midwifery and worked at a hospital for two years, but I loved sewing so much that I went to a private sewing studio to learn how to make all kinds of clothing, across a couple of different courses. I was 33, and my son had just started nursery, so I had some free time. At first I made dresses for myself, and then my family and friends wanted my dresses too, so I started sewing for everyone else as well.
I joined the Olana team in February 2024. When we first arrived in Barnsley from Iran, we lived in a flat that was right in front of the old Olana studio. I used to watch everyone sewing and chatting through the window, and I wished that I could join them one day. So I went over to the studio and asked about a job. I met Jodie for the first time in a local coffee shop, and I was then taken to the studio, my son came along to translate (as my English wasn't great at that time) doing his best with all the sewing terminology! I sewed my first Edie Vest, then my first Belle, and passed the test to join the team.
In the studio, I usually have a podcast on: learning English, maybe some psychology, or an audiobook. Unless I’m working on a bespoke order, in which case I go quiet so I can really focus. Out of the studio, I switch from dressmaker to wife and mum of two. We love watching films together as a family, and going for walks. I love travelling and gardening, cooking, psychology, literature and poetry, and, of course, fashion.
My Favourite Piece to Make
I just love the Dahlia Top, I can’t really explain why, it's small but technically complicated, they're an all round very satisfying make! The striped Belle too, the fabric’s lovely to work with and kind to my scissors.
I love working with colour, so there are a few makes that stand out, my favourite being a bespoke piece, an Amelia dress in green silk.
My Favourite Pieces to Wear
My mum always told me "every woman needs one really good dress in her wardrobe", and for me, that dress is the Bellevedere in evergreen. You can wear it to any party, and it turns every woman into a lady.
I also love the black and white polka dot Mirabelle and the Camille.
Why I Love Being a Part of Olana
Many reasons.
I am happy to be a small part of Olana, I can do my lovely job in a calm and friendly environment.
Olana is very good for me, I was a stranger in a new city but I had the opportunity to meet new people and talk to them. I will always be grateful.
