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
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