A menswear legacy – John’s Suit Shop has thrived for over five decades, thanks to Viktoriya Solensky.
John’s Suit Shop, originally named after its founder John Chrisman, has been a cornerstone of Springfield’s retail landscape since 1972. For over 16 years, John meticulously curated a collection that earned the store a loyal clientele. Upon his passing in 1988, his daughter Cassandra and her husband Steve took the reins, steering the business until their retirement at the end of 2016.
As Cassandra & Steve prepared to close the store, fate had other plans. Viktoriya Solenksy, whose extensive background in the apparel industry and unplanned entry into retail breathed new life into John’s Suit Shop. Her profound experience in apparel product development, spanning from Russia to the US, provided a robust foundation. However, the nuances of retail were an entirely new terrain.
Her journey began in Moscow, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Apparel Product Development and a master’s in engineering, Apparel Studies, and Apparel Mass Production from Moscow State University of Design and Technology. She honed her craft in Russia, working with top designers and participating in prestigious fashion weeks. There Solensky worked with designers, whose collections earned accolades and honorable mentions from icons like famous Spanish fashion designer- Paco Rabanne.
Upon moving to the U.S., Solensky continued her career in the apparel industry, aiding companies in California with product development. Her work contributed to collections sold at major retailers like Costco. She then moved to Bass Pro Shops, where she helped improve garment fits and quality, implementing systems for better communication with overseas factories.
Her passion for fashion and education led her to Missouri State University, where she took on the role of adjunct professor in 2012. Solenksy created comprehensive curriculums for Garment Construction and Adobe Illustrator for fashion designers. Her classes were grounded in real-world insights, preparing students for the complexities of the global apparel industry. She also designed and led an International Study Away Program, taking students to Italy to explore textile and apparel manufacturing, providing them with firsthand experiences that are invaluable in their professional development.
Taking over JSS in 2017, she faced the unexpected challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. Store closures and supply chain disruptions tested her resilience. “Adaptation was key,” she explains, reflecting on the shifts in managing inventory and customer expectations. Her experience with overseas production, particularly in navigating cultural nuances, proved invaluable.
Her global exposure influences every decision at JSS. “I prioritize quality over fast fashion,” she asserts, balancing affordability without sacrificing craftsmanship. Unlike typical retail cycles, JSS offers consistent, fair pricing year-round, echoing European retail practices.
Attending seasonal markets keeps her abreast of trends, while her personalized service – from custom suits to special orders – ensures customer satisfaction.
Her passion for fashion is unwavering, even as she juggles the demands of running a business and personal life. “I’m learning to separate work from home,” she admits.
Teaching at MSU allowed her to share real-world insights with students, mentoring future industry leaders. “The apparel industry is saturated; you must find your niche and stand out,” she advises young entrepreneurs. She also mentored a former student who worked for her for two years, providing extensive training in fitting and tailoring and connecting her with industry contacts.
Looking ahead, she aims to maintain JSS’s legacy while exploring custom clothing offerings. Expansion beyond Springfield isn’t in the cards, but her focus on quality and customer satisfaction remains steadfast.
When asked what she is most proud of, Solensky replied, "I am Mom first and then business owner. I am proud of my daughter. She is an A student pursuing the IB program."
I always try to remember a great quote by Eleanor Roosevelt -
“Do the thing you think you cannot do.”