Though Gigi Shinall has worked in the very heart and center of Atlanta's fashion industry, the master tailor says that for her, Porterdale is where it's at now.

Formally known as Shinall of Atlanta, Gigi Shinall changed the name of her 26-year-old business to Gigi's in 1991. Three years later she moved her business to Conyers where she was located until the Porterdale Mill Lofts opened last year.

Gigi's does all types of alterations in addition to designing window treatments and upholstering chairs and sofas.

After attending weekend flea markets in Porterdale for years and getting to know the history of the city as well as meeting many of its residents whom she describes as "down to earth," Shinall said she jumped at the chance to move into the Lofts when they opened last fall.

A master tailor and a fashion designer, Shinall said she was attracted to the alterations business because it allows her to be creative and to work with the things she loves.

"I love colors," Shinall said.

With two full time tailors (including herself) and one part-time apprentice, customers won't have to wait long for their orders to be completed.

Prices vary for alterations at Gigi's with a simple pants hem costing $8 and a jacket hem costing $20. Alterations typically take one week to complete said Shinall though rush orders can be done in one day for an extra fee.

Though Gigi's has many upholstery samples in-house to choose from, customers can also bring their own material to be upholstered or dressed. Upholstery orders typically take three to four weeks to complete as do window treatments said Shinall.

Shinall's services are also available as an interior decorator. Shinall said she does make house calls and will work one-on-one with her customers to come up with the perfect decorating scheme for their home.