When I first walked into Reza Mohammadi’s tailored clothing shop, BARG Garments on 108 N. Alfred Street, I felt like I was visiting a friend’s home. He was very polite, always smiling and brought me a cup of tea and some chocolates when we sat down to chat. He had emailed me a few weeks earlier, curious to know more about the small business community in Alexandria. I Googled him like I do most because I receive so many emails. I found his story,  “The refugee tailor to Afghanistan’s former leaders…” on ALXNow.com so captivating that I reread it three times.

Reza and his family left Afghanistan on a U.S. transport in August 2021. They spent many months living in temporary living situations with other refugees, before arriving and finding a permanent home in Virginia in April of 2022. He and his wife have three daughters and two sons. “Our youngest is four and our oldest is 14. We left everything behind, and had to start all over again.”

Reza Mohammadi

Owner: BARG Garments

Photography:  Renée C. Gage Photography

Shoot location: BARG Garments

Reza had a successful business in Kabul, tailoring suits for government officials and thousands of repeat customers. He shared, “I was about 13 years old when I started working part-time as an apprentice in a tailoring shop to learn sewing…nearly 29 years ago.” This is his specialty and although an expert tailor, he moved to a new country not knowing anything about how to run a business here. “My initial challenge was gathering the capital to start the business.” He was rejected multiple times for a loan, but kept reaching out and eventually secured one. He also had to find a location to setup without knowing the local culture, business practices and technology. “I’ve also faced difficulties with advertising and communication due to not speaking or reading English well.”

Why did he choose Old Town, Alexandria? “Considering the vibrancy of this area, I felt it was the right place for my business. I must admit that before starting my work here, I didn't have much familiarity with this incredibly beautiful region.” When he’s not working (which is six days a week), Reza enjoys swimming, listening to philosophical books and going out with family and friends.

He says that BARG Garments accepts all types of alteration requests, and they typically take about three to four weeks. He’s open Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 7pm. Stop in and say hello, Reza has an incredibly warm nature and looks forward to integrating himself more into the local business community. He also has an incredible eye for detail—like his bright V-neck sweater that he chose for his photo shoot.

See Reza’s Street Style:

ABOUT REZA

Neighborhood: Annandale

From: Afghanistan

Favorite book or movie: On the Meaning of Life by Will Durant

Guilty Pleasure: Both sin and pleasure are realities of life.

What would surprise people about you? That I have five children.

Bucket list travel destinations: Italy and Turkey.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less. Simple and official.

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Tailored shirt.

Favorite trend: I love all of them!

Boots, shoes, or sneakers? Shoes.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress:  Understanding the situation and making the right decision.

How to stay active: Create development plans, and then you must follow up, pursue, and actively work towards achieving them.

Wellness goal: Serving one’s fellow man and raising healthy children.

Proudest wellness achievement: Gaining the trust of people from all walks of life.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Living room.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix.

Last item bought for your home: A rug.

Favorite way to entertain: Having fun with the family.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well lived-in.

Next planned purchase: Sofa.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I was referred through a customer and like the community and storytelling.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: BARG Garments

Favorite local organization: Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP); I look forward to learning more about how they can help with my small business goals.

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Everything is new to me.

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