Cathy is the founder of Cathy Mares Custom Sewing but, it wasn't simple. Cathy graduated in 1979 form the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Cathy then went on to be a pattern maker for dress making, up till the birth of her children. She then moved here (Virginia) in August of 1990. Cathy then started sewing out of her basement, she made window treatments prior to the opening of Cathy Mares Design. She continued designing through the years of 1993-1995. Cathy then went back to sewing in her basement. After three years she opened Cathy Mares Custom Sewing in 1998. The business started just as a workroom of sewing. Cathy then proceeded to expand the business by purchasing Ye Old Upholstery Shoppe from Mr. Roy Carter in 2002.
After a short 14 years, Cathy opened the showroom in 2016. Cathy has now been on Allied Street for almost 30 years.