Sung Lee and his wife Jung Park gave up their flourishing alteration business in West Des Moines, Iowa to move to Potomac to be close to their sons.

“Family is more important,” said Lee. “One of my sons is a medical student at Johns Hopkins and my other son is in the internet business — and we wanted to be near them.”

Lee and his wife were chosen as the best tailors in West Des Moines, Iowa out of more than 25 companies. “In West Des Moines, there are 25 tailoring shops, that all do well — but we were chosen as the best. But here on the East Coast, all the tailors are associated with dry cleaners. We chose Potomac because it looked as if there was no one to do alterations, not realizing that all the dry cleaners provide that service.” The Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson was one of his clients. “I altered all her costumes,” he said.

Lee and his wife launched their custom tailoring business in January in the Potomac Promenade Shopping Center. They are gaining business share — and repeat customers. “My prices are very reasonable,” said Lee. “I only charge $10 to hem a pair of pants. I have worked in this business for many years, and I can alter anything.” He is an expert with leather, prom dresses, tailoring suits and repairing clothing.

How is living in Potomac different from West Des Moines? “There is so much more diversity here, and a large South Korean population. The people here are very kind and encouraging to us. Of course, Bethesda and Potomac are much bigger, busier communities — but we like it a lot. Just being with family makes it home to us.”

Potomac Custom Tailor is located at 10240-A River Road, Potomac, just up the hill from Giant Foods. They are open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.. Contact Lee at 301-983-0273.