Atascocita Observer - News
Business celebrates 30 years of mending, making friendships
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| Latifee Wakim checks out Meshela Burgess's overalls which need to be hemmed. Latifee is celebrating 30 years in the business of alterations and uniforms for the community along with her birthday, 45 years in the United States and the announcement of another grandchild. |
By JENNIFER SUMMER
A wide assortment of food, flowers and a cake filled Latifee’s Alterations Nov. 18, as the owner had plenty to celebrate.
Between her birthday, the announcement of a new grandchild on the way, not being harmed by Hurricane Rita or Ike, 45 years in the United States and 30 years serving the community, Latifee Wakim was all smiles as she greeted customers and celebrated her accomplishments.
“I truly could not have done it without all of my customers and my faith,” Latifee said amid customers, friends and family at her celebration.
Wakim came to the United States from Lebanon and when she came to Humble several years later, she started working in a day care until she was involved in a traffic accident.
“The doctor did not want me to go back and teach because I had an injured neck. While I was recuperating, I had a friend that helped me out and when I was feeling better, I wanted to return the favor,” she said.
She helped her friend start an alteration business where she worked for several years until branching out on her own, starting Latifee’s Alterations.
“My family had been uprooted in Lebanon and I prayed and said, ‘Why am I here while they are all suffering in Lebanon?’” Wakim recalled. “Many people in the community stepped forward to help me and my family and help my business become strong. I am more than grateful.”
Latifee’s Alterations first started on Main Street in Humble and was one of the first alteration businesses in the area. The business soon relocated to the shopping center on Loop 494 until moving down the road a little bit to where it is located now on the side of Loop 494.
“Everyone thought I was crazy to open my own business, but God came to me in my dreams and told me to be brave and customers would come through the door,” Wakim said. “Now 30 years later, my business has survived tornadoes, hurricanes and economy problems.”
During the past two hurricanes, the owner stayed at the trailer despite warnings to evacuate. Latifee’s Alterations remained after the hurricanes, though there was some damage including the whole building being shifted at least a foot by the storm.
“My celebration is 42 years in the U.S., 30 years of being in business and my seamstress who has been with me for 14 years, and all that I have been blessed with,” Wakim said.
Wakim’s first seamstress, Anh Do, worked with her for 14 years until she suffered a stroke, so Kim Van has now stepped in to offer her services.
Besides alterations, Latifee’s is also contracted with Continental Airlines and is responsible for making sure uniforms fit correctly. The shop carries many uniforms employees might need, including white shirts and other items that are sold and altered for the customers’ needs.
“I am leaving the future in God’s hands, but I know I am here for my customers and family and plan to keep Latifee’s Alterations open as long as I can,” she said. “I pray for each of my customers and give them many thanks and love. I am very proud of the opportunity I have had to serve the community and look forward to what is next.”
Latifee’s Alterations
The shop is located at 22844 Loop 494 in Kingwood. For more information, call 281-359-5500.
Between her birthday, the announcement of a new grandchild on the way, not being harmed by Hurricane Rita or Ike, 45 years in the United States and 30 years serving the community, Latifee Wakim was all smiles as she greeted customers and celebrated her accomplishments.
“I truly could not have done it without all of my customers and my faith,” Latifee said amid customers, friends and family at her celebration.
Wakim came to the United States from Lebanon and when she came to Humble several years later, she started working in a day care until she was involved in a traffic accident.
“The doctor did not want me to go back and teach because I had an injured neck. While I was recuperating, I had a friend that helped me out and when I was feeling better, I wanted to return the favor,” she said.
She helped her friend start an alteration business where she worked for several years until branching out on her own, starting Latifee’s Alterations.
“My family had been uprooted in Lebanon and I prayed and said, ‘Why am I here while they are all suffering in Lebanon?’” Wakim recalled. “Many people in the community stepped forward to help me and my family and help my business become strong. I am more than grateful.”
Latifee’s Alterations first started on Main Street in Humble and was one of the first alteration businesses in the area. The business soon relocated to the shopping center on Loop 494 until moving down the road a little bit to where it is located now on the side of Loop 494.
“Everyone thought I was crazy to open my own business, but God came to me in my dreams and told me to be brave and customers would come through the door,” Wakim said. “Now 30 years later, my business has survived tornadoes, hurricanes and economy problems.”
During the past two hurricanes, the owner stayed at the trailer despite warnings to evacuate. Latifee’s Alterations remained after the hurricanes, though there was some damage including the whole building being shifted at least a foot by the storm.
“My celebration is 42 years in the U.S., 30 years of being in business and my seamstress who has been with me for 14 years, and all that I have been blessed with,” Wakim said.
Wakim’s first seamstress, Anh Do, worked with her for 14 years until she suffered a stroke, so Kim Van has now stepped in to offer her services.
Besides alterations, Latifee’s is also contracted with Continental Airlines and is responsible for making sure uniforms fit correctly. The shop carries many uniforms employees might need, including white shirts and other items that are sold and altered for the customers’ needs.
“I am leaving the future in God’s hands, but I know I am here for my customers and family and plan to keep Latifee’s Alterations open as long as I can,” she said. “I pray for each of my customers and give them many thanks and love. I am very proud of the opportunity I have had to serve the community and look forward to what is next.”
Latifee’s Alterations
The shop is located at 22844 Loop 494 in Kingwood. For more information, call 281-359-5500.
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