Michele Hattman has been the costume lady in Augusta for almost 25 years.
The former costume department manager at Fat Man's Forest has been on her own since May 2008, when she opened Costumes by Michele on Broad Street. Before then, she sewed and designed costumes at Fat Man's for 23 years.
"Even though we've done a lot of advertising, people still do not realize they did not lose a costume rental shop in Augusta. We're still trying to get the word out that we're down here," Ms. Hattman said.
But costume sales and rentals are going well at her store.
"With this economy being so crazy, people need to have fun, and they need to celebrate Halloween for themselves. The past year for so many people has been so tough economically that this is a good release," Ms. Hattman said.
Brad Usry, former owner of Fat Man's Forest, isn't surprised that Ms. Hattman is doing well and reached her second Halloween on her own.
"Michele is probably one of the most talented people to ever work for us. She could literally do anything. If we needed a certain type of costume, she would say, 'Go get me the fabric. I'll sew it,' " Mr. Usry said.
Ms. Hattman said she does more rentals than sales.
"Hopefully, next year I'll have more sale merchandise. The hardest are the plus sizes. The plus costumes are some of the first to go," Ms. Hattman said.
The store also dresses people for school plays, stage productions and documentaries. She created custom Mardi Gras masks for Paine College's annual celebration, she said.
"She's very talented. I just hope Augusta supports her," Mr. Usry said.
Ms. Hattman encourages people to use creativity when assembling Halloween costumes.
"People will say, 'I'm not creative. I can't think of that.' They'll surprise themselves at what they can come up with. A group can go as a group theme," she said.
Friends can coordinate as characters from Alice in Wonderland, Gilligan's Island, Beverly Hillbillies or The Brady Bunch .
"I'm lucky to do what I love. I'm glad I'm here. I love Broad Street," Ms. Hattman said.
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