Seamstress HollyAnn
follows family tradition
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The business name has changed but the same great service can be found at Seamstress HollyAnn, located across from JC Penney at the Aroostook Center Mall.
Photos by Jill Doucette
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT SERVICE — The Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 30 for Seamstress HollyAnn, owned by HollyAnn Burtchell and Mike Balmer. The business, formerly known as Seamstress Terry Burtchell, Holly’s mother, now has a new name but offers the same great tailoring services, as well as tuxedo sales and consignment gowns. The “new” business is located down the hall from the original facility, across from JC Penney at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle. Pictured from left are: CACC President Stacy Shaw, Steve and Terry Burtchell, HollyAnn Burtchell, Mike Balmer, CACC members Jim McKenney and Floyd Rockholt, and CACC Executive Director Theresa Fowler.
BUSINESS OWNER HollyAnn Burtchell welcomes old and new customers to Seamstress HollyAnn, located at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle. 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, Sept. 30, marking the official transition from Seamstress Terry Burtchell — whose shop was located near Sears — to her daughter, Seamstress HollyAnn Burtchell.
“My fiance, Mike Balmer, and I had jobs lined up earlier this year in Florida — even went so far as to move there briefly. We’d talked about taking over the business last year, then over the summer we talked with my parents,” said HollyAnn.
“While we were in Florida, we seriously started rethinking our decision and decided to come back,” added Mike.
HollyAnn said it was on the plane ride home they determined their future was here in Presque Isle.
“On the plane we made a list of pros and cons, comparing life in Aroostook County verses life in Florida. We had way more pros for living here than in Florida,” she said.
HollyAnn wants customers — both old and new — to know they’ll still get the same exact service as her mother offered.
“We offer service with professionalism. Whether you’re needing alterations or want to rent a tuxedo or buy a gown, we’re here for you. We’re getting new lines of bridal wear too,” she said.
The couple want customers to know they’re a “one-stop shop.”
“You can get your tux or gown here, have alterations done. We’ll be sure the fit is right for you. We can also steam and press everything for the bridal party,” said HollyAnn.
The business is also handling consignment sales.
“We have several consignment gowns. We like to see repeat customers. We see girls who’ve outgrown their gowns coming in to sell them, while looking for the next size. We can be that outlet for them,” said Mike.
“We also have a number of prom gowns in great condition,” noted HollyAnn.
She said the facility is larger than her mother’s shop, so there’s room for expansion.
“We have much more space; it’s more like a bridal store. We have two changing/fitting rooms, which were constructed by my dad, Steve Burtchell,” she said.
Mike said they’d like to get more gowns. They’re willing to “take anything we’re confident we can sell.”
“We have more space to showcase prom and bridal wear,” he said.
“We’re excited to bring on new employees in the near future. Since my parents are leaving, this will provide jobs,” said HollyAnn. “Our goal is to have mall hours.”
The business will continue to offer long-arm quilting.
“It’s that time of year, when quilters look to get quilting done,” said HollyAnn.
“It helps during slow times — fills the gap between prom and pageant season,” added Mike. “We encourage quilters to contact us whenever they need our service.”
Mike said HollyAnn has the experience to pick up where her mother left off.
“Holly has run the shop as manager for her mother for three years. It’s not like we’re stepping into this without experience,” he said. “It’s good for us and our customers; there’s no change really, just a transition and expansion.”
“I found out from my mom that I’m the fifth generation seamstress in the family. That’s quite a tradition we’ve got going,” HollyAnn said.
The couple agree their location is ideal year-round.
“The mall is convenient in the winter. Folks can drop items off to be tailored, shop and dine, then return to pick things up — all regardless of the weather,” said Mike.
“Patti’s (Crooks, mall manager) been awesome. She’s taken good care of us,” said HollyAnn.
“We also appreciate the help we’ve received from NMDC and all the support we’ve received from our customers,” said Mike. “Our customers are the reason we’re here. We’re grateful for those who got us here and for those who are getting us where we’re going.”
HollyAnn said she’s eternally grateful to her parents for all they’ve done for her and continue to do.
“I’d like to thank my parents for everything they did for Mike and me. My parents are my rock and I truly learned from the best. I wouldn’t be here doing this today if it wasn’t for them,” said HollyAnn.
“We’re very proud of her. We’re leaving the business in good hands,” said Terry, noting she and Steve are looking forward to winters in Arizona, with their three cats. “It’s a five-day road trip we’ll be heading out on later this month. We’ll check in on her when we return in warmer weather. Until then, I’m confident she’ll do fine without us.”
“It seems all the time we’re getting new customers. I’m excited to see what the future holds,” HollyAnn said.
Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays. The couple hope to expand hours as business builds. For more information, call 764-1919, visit seamstresshollyann.com or look for Seamstress HollyAnn on Facebook.
