Local tailor reaches dream job by starting Llouima Custom Tailoring
MADISON – Applying creativity tempered with skillful handiwork, Lucien Louima reached his dream job when he founded Llouima Custom Tailoring.
In 2017, Louima officially opened his business with a different name while studying at Oakwood University. “That’s when I began offering alterations,” he said. “My motivation came from my professor, Dr. Wesley Knight, who always dressed impeccably in tailored clothing. When I asked about his style, he shared that he traveled to London for custom garments,” Louima said.
“Inspired but unable to afford custom tailoring, I decided to learn how to do it myself,” Louima said. He discovered his talent, starting with altering his own clothes.
No one in his family sews or tailors. “I’m entirely selftaught, though I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors in Huntsville and Miami who helped refine my skills,” Louima said.
“The experience at Llouima Custom Tailoring is unlike anything Madison has ever seen. It’s not just about how you look it’s about how you feel,” he said. “Llouima Custom Tailoring is thoughtfully priced, offering exceptional value for a high-class experience. Expect to be greeted with a glass of wine and superb customer service.”
Louima specializes in men’s clothing, including custom suits, dress shirts, overcoats, jackets, ties and pocket squares. “If you have a design in mind, I’ll work to bring it to life,” he said. “For alterations, I can handle virtually any garment.”
By far, his most popular requests are custom suits, especially for weddings and formal events. “They’re not difficult to make once you’ve mastered the process, but unique designs offer exciting challenges that I embrace,” Louima said.
For fabrics, he primarily uses high-quality wool for suits but also works with linen, cotton and various fabric blends. For accessories like pocket squares and ties, silk or polyester is his fabric of choice.
“Clients are welcome to bring their own fabric…just make sure there’s enough, because, as I like to joke, ‘I can’t perform magic!’” he said.
To create a new garment, Louima follows his defined procedure: • Appointment – Louima’s clients schedule appointments by phone or with his website, llouimacustom. com.
• Consultation — During a one-hour appointment, a client selects fabrics, buttons, linings and customizations, such as lapel styles and pocket designs.
• Measurements – Louima takes detailed measurements to confirm a perfect fit.
• Fittings — After approximately four weeks, Louima schedules the first fitting. Additional fittings follow until the garment is perfectly tailored.
Louima’s process usually takes four to eight weeks. However, he can expedite services, depending on fabric availability.
After relocating from Florida to Madison in late 2024, Louima has been managing the business by himself. However, he is actively looking to hire assistants and sewing specialists to streamline the process.
At-home consultations are available. “The ‘Llouima Experience’ is all about convenience and luxury, where I bring everything needed to the client’s home,” he said. A $100 travel fee is deducted from the suit’s final cost.
Both Lucien and his sister, Ketsia, have backgrounds in hospitality, which they have infused into every aspect of the business. Together, they’ve refined the custom-tailoring process to ensure that every client feels valued.
“When you step into Llouima Custom Tailoring, you’re not just another customer . . . you’re treated like family, surrounded by an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication,” he said. “The hospitality of the Llouima Experience confirms that every visit leaves a lasting impression.”
For more information, call 256-600-3404, email info@llouimacustom. com or visit llouimacustom. com.
