Meet the Women Behind the Apron
While taking her first sewing class senior year at Corliss High School on the south side of Chicago, Cynthia sewed her first shirt skirt set and fell in love with her creations from that day forth. At the age of 19, she met the talented Mary Greenleaf who owned a custom made drapery business, and would later give her the opportunity to work for Mary Greenleaf Interiors.
Cynthia worked for Mary Greenleaf Interiors for the next six years and learned how to work with industrial and singer machines. She also learned how to operate and use the blind stitch and tacking machines.
During these six years, she also had the opportunity to be mentored and work for another great African American woman named Ms. Libby, who owned her business Ms. Libby Draperies. Cynthia learned how to measure, cut and do everything from sizing windows to draping rods while working with these strong business savvy women.
At the age of 26, the era of customized curtains approached its demise as the world shifted their attention to customized blinds, and Cynthia’s work with her mentors came to an end. 10 years later, she would create her first sewing business and sell customized rod pocket curtains and pillows
Today at the age of 57, she is now the Founder of Ms. Lane Aprons and Cynthia’s Nest. Both are customized handmade creations dipped in her personal touch of style. With the support of her daughters, these businesses will make a statement in the design world and allow Cynthia to retire doing what she loves… And that’s creating of course!
With Love,
Cynthia Lane