Lake Elsinore Businesswoman Keeps Customers' Machines Humming

Katie Faureau is known in Lake Elsinore for her mechanical abilities. She has over 30 years experience repairing sewing machines and vacuums.

She grew up in her dad’s sewing machine shop -- Crown Vacuum and Sewing in Corona. Her elementary school was across the street from the shop, and after class she would head over to see her dad and "tinker" with the machines. 

By age 15, Faureau had a job repairing sewing machines and vacuums alongside her father. She worked at Crown for many years, but in 1999 opened Sincere Sew & Vac in Lake Elsinore.

"My dad is the sales and I am the mechanic," she said on a recent afternoon inside her shop. “I have worked in this business for over 30 years. I love to do the mechanics. I love my customers and they often come in to visit.

"Some older people have come in to tell me this location (in Lake Elsinore) was once a candy shop that they had worked in," she continued.

Stories abound at Sincere Sew & Vac. Skateboards and bikes regularly rest against a wall outside the shop, as customers and neighborhood kids come to visit Faureau for some Lake Elsinore lore.

Larry and Fe Koffel, longtime customers, stopped in to drop off a machine recently.

"This is the best place in town to get your sewing machine overhauled and serviced. Katie is outstanding in all respects, a credit to the profession," they said.

Faureau runs the shop herself. In addition to servicing sewing machines and vacuums, she sells new and used products as well. She also offers carpet shampoos, scents, bags and belts.

Sincere Sew & Vac

31705 Riverside Drive

Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

951-674-1808

www.sinceresewandvac.com

Sincere Sew & Vac is open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.