Meet Ozden Guzeloglu of Fort Collins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ozden Guzeloglu.

Hi Ozden, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey begins far away from Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. I was born and raised in Türkiye, an ancient land home to countless peoples and numerous civilizations. The Anatolian Plateau served as the commercial trading route bridging East and West. The ‘Silk Road’ specialized in colorful and exotic fabrics, tantalizing and aromatic spices, and highly desired but locally scarce goods.

Konya, my hometown, was the home of and is the final resting place of the renowned Sufi mystic and poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī. Many readers have come to embrace the spirit and philosophy of Rumi through his uplifting writings which are translated into over twenty-six languages.

My mother, like most other moms in our neighborhood at that time, stayed at home caring for our family. Beyond care giving, she engaged in the manual arts, mostly sewing, knitting, and embroidering. As a child I often watched her transform simple thread and basic cloth into objects of subtle and profound beauty.

I, too, like most young girls and young women of that time and place grew up in a traditional household. With my parents’ support, I attended and graduated from university with a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. My studies didn’t stop there. I went on to earn a degree in Computer Programming and Software Development.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A surprise to none, life is a twisting road full of challenges and surprises. My life is no exception. I was a content working professional in Türkiye when my husband was presented with the opportunity to work and to study in the United States.

After thoughtful consideration and profound questioning, we decided to leave our families and hometowns for the United States. Believe me, it wasn’t easy to leave behind my family, friends, and comfort zone for a large unknown. Not only did I have to move to a new place, with a new culture and new customs, I had no social safety net. There was no choice but to gradually reinvent myself while learning a new language. I even had to change career and become a tailor and a seamstress.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love helping others with their sewing and altering needs! One cultural difference that stands out to me is that Americans with their busy lives don’t have time to sew or to hem their clothes. Sometimes they don’t have a mom, an aunt, a grandmother near by who can help out. That is where I can step in and sew on that loose button, hem those new jeans, altering that evening gown so that it fits just right. And the brides! I love working with their dresses, getting them ready for their special day.

One customer in particular touched my heart. They brought me a clothing item that belonged to a departed loved one. I handled it with care, following the customer’s instructions and wishes. The item was transformed from a simple clothing item into a keepsake holding precious memories. I am honored that I could do this for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foothillstailor.com/

Image Credits
Photos: Foothills Tailor & Alterations – Fort Collins, Colorado