JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 3rd-generation grasp tailor talked concerning the legacy of excellence his father and grandfather created that paved the best way for his success right this moment.
Household means all the pieces to Mariano Mendez Jr. His household’s journey started three many years in the past when his grandfather, Pedro Mendez left his house in Cuba and got here to Harlem.
“So many individuals from Jacksonville lived in Harlem and so many individuals from Harlem would journey all the way down to Jacksonville, particularly for summer time holidays and stuff like that,” Mariano Mendez stated.
Pedro Mendez began his enterprise in a retail area on the historic Masonic Temple at 410 Broad Road in the course of the Nineteen Twenties. It’s nonetheless standing right this moment.
Mariano Mendez took over the household enterprise in 2009, his father began that enterprise in 1975, and his grandfather began a enterprise in 1927 in Jacksonville.
One among his grandfather’s first purchasers was Bishop McKissick at Bethel Baptist. He labored for McKissick’s father and they’re nonetheless clients right this moment.
Within the early Nineteen Twenties, there was no air con, simply enormous followers, however his grandfather was nonetheless dressed sharply.
“He wearing a three-piece go well with, tie, and five-corner pocket sq.,” Mariano Mendez stated. “Dapper daily.”
Their household enterprise has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 98 years serving dignitaries and the person subsequent door alike.
Mariano Mendez loves the transformation of garments and customized creations the identical means his father and grandfather did.
Not everybody has the chance to say one thing like that.
“I’m pleased with my household and the entire heritage,” he stated. “I’d love for my children to have it however they aren’t into it.”
The tailoring enterprise is altering as a result of reputation of quick style or garments that folks can put on for a second after which throw away.
For Mariano, the enterprise stays a labor of affection and a dream come true for 3 generations. With each needle and thread, Mendez isn’t simply stitching garments, he’s weaving collectively work handed down for 9 many years.
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