Still struggling to master the English language she asked her cousin to accompany her to the interview , as her interpreter . The fact that Leos wasn ’ t fluent in English didn ’ t deter David Peoples , owner of the Nimble Thimble at the time , from hiring her .
Leos still recalls his response when her cousin explained to him that Leos didn ’ t speak English .
‘ Well , the machine doesn ’ t speak English ,” he ’ d said , adding that he never regretted hiring Leos .
“ She always came to work . She always did what I asked her to do , and it was always turned out on time ,” Peoples said with a smile .
Seven years later , in 1992 , contemplating the idea of opening her own business Leos was hesitant to begin such a bold endeavor . Her boss offered the perfect solution . She could rent the back space of People ’ s store .
Four years and a great deal of experience later , Leos moved out of the Nimble Thimble and into her current location at 92 5th Street . For over two decades Fidelina ’ s has continued to thrive .
“ I think you have to be consistent in what you do ,” Leos said , adding that after finishing a piece if , “ the fit is right ,” she feels a true sense of satisfaction .
Peoples believes what made Leos a great employee is also what ’ s made her a successful entrepreneur .
“ She always comes to work . She always does what the customer asks , and she always has it on time ,” Peoples said . He must be right . Leos ’ s hard work and dedication has
garnered her a customer base that extends from Gilroy to Fresno .
“ They come here because they hear I do good work ,” Leos said . “ I try to do my best and do good work .”
Gilroy business woman , Michele Campbell and her daughter Majesta , were referred to Fidelina ’ s over 15 years ago . They ’ ve been coming to her ever since .
“ She actually did all of her , ( Majesta ’ s ), prom dresses starting from eighth grade through high school ,” Campbell said .
“ She did her wedding dress , she altered it . She did my dress . She did all the alterations on all the bridesmaids too .”
Leos has a long history of creating and altering wedding dresses . This year alone she ’ s worked on more than 100 gowns . From the first fitting to the final one Leos provides each gown with her undivided attention to detail and perfection , which is appreciated by all her customers .
Last year Leos created a wedding gown for customer Gabby Guzman . After her October wedding Guzman presented Leos with a photo of herself in the gown , along with a note .
“ Much thanks for your help to create my dream dress ,” Guzman wrote , adding , “ Please continue being incredible and making brides beautiful .”
Leos ’ is equally appreciative , of Guzman , her customers , and the entire Gilroy community .
“ I love the community and I learned a lot from them and receive a lot from them ,” Leos said , adding . “ They are faithful to me and good people .” GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 gmhtoday . com
97