Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Parauka.
Andrew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved clothes, but I grew frustrated with the “cookie cutters sizes” mentality of modern fashion—those boxy, mass‑manufactured garments felt soulless and uninspired. So I decided to take things into my own hands. I taught myself to draft patterns, picked up a sewing machine, and began designing my own pieces—one‑of‑a‑kind tops, jackets, bags, and hats that have a better fit and feel.
After a few years of creating in my shop, I took a leap and opened a little storefront in Grand Rapids. There, I built each garment to order, working directly with clients to develop styles that spoke to their personalities. It was immensely rewarding, but I kept wondering: “What if I could help people everywhere make their own clothes?”
That question led me to YouTube. I started filming simple “how‑to” videos. At first it was just an experiment, but as more viewers tuned in, I realized I’d stumbled on something special. Teaching sewing felt like giving people a creative outlet. So I leveled up my tutorials with downloadable PDF patterns, making it easy for anyone to follow along and sew at home.
Today, I still post DIY videos on Youtube. Lately I’ve been focused on upcycling—transforming thrifted or existing pieces into fresh designs, cutting down waste one refashion at a time. It’s been an incredible journey, from dissatisfied shopper to small‑business owner.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Adapting a small creative venture to an industry built on break‑neck cycles of fast fashion has been one of my biggest challenges. Trends today can emerge on Instagram one morning and be “so last season” by nightfall—so every time I develop a new design, I’m racing against an ever‑shortening clock.
On the customer side, expectations have shifted. People expect instant gratification. Juggling those demands forced me to rethink my business model. That’s part of why I leaned more heavily into digital tutorials and printable patterns: I empower my community to make their own garments at home, on their own schedule. It’s not the same as a glossy runway drop, but it lets me sidestep the endless trend treadmill and focus on teaching timeless skills—and it feels more sustainable, both creatively and environmentally.
Still, it’s been a learning curve. I’ve had to figure out digital marketing on the fly to keep up with shifting algorithms, pivot my video content when a style goes viral. But each struggle has pushed me to innovate: experimenting with modular designs that can be tweaked into new “looks,” building a small but reliable network of ethical suppliers, and cultivating a community that values craftsmanship over disposable fashion. In wrestling with the pace of the fast‑fashion world, I’ve discovered that slowing down—teaching myself to slow down—might just be the most useful experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a fashion inventor at heart—every piece I create starts with a problem to solve. While most designers focus on aesthetics alone, I specialize in marrying form and function: think a hoodie with hidden pocket compartments, convertible skirts that adjust to your mood, or tote bags that fold into wearable belts. My signature is “utility chic,” where every seam and detail has a purpose.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve built a community that values creativity over consumption. Instead of chasing every fast‑fashion trend, I teach people to invent their own: to spot wardrobe annoyances and reimagine solutions. Every morning I carve out time to sketching new hybrid designs—like a convertible dress that doubles as a backpack or a jacket with modular sleeves. Those brainstorms fuel my videos and patterns, and watching someone bring my concepts to life on their sewing table is the greatest reward.
What sets me apart is this relentless focus on utility-driven design, education, and waste free lifestyle. I don’t just drop a pattern and walk away—I guide, troubleshoot, and celebrate each maker’s creative journey. In a world saturated with cookie‑cutter fits, I’m proud to offer a toolbox for self‑expression, problem‑solving, and sustainable style.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to many comedy podcasts while I am working. I feel like having a laugh goes a long way when creating or designing. But for the most part I try to focus on my thoughts and block out the worldly noise. I find it helps me reach deeper in myself to open up a creative side of my brain.
Pricing:
- 2.99-4.99 for most of my patterns. I try to keep them cheap so everyone can create and enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.properfitclothing.com
- Instagram: @properfitclothing
- Facebook: @properfitclothing
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/properfitclothing
- Other: most of my socials are @properfitclothing including TikTok and Pinterest
