From barn to big time

By Melissa Meehan
FIVE years ago Leah Sukroo was dabbling in making dresses for debutante balls in a Pakenham barn as a way to earn a little extra cash.
This year she has been awarded the Rising Star Award.
Dressed for the occasion in a black beaded white gown, Ms Sukroo was surprised at receiving the award.
“What is this?” she said.
“It is a surprise.”
She now operates on two levels in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong with a shop front and a large showroom and work area on level two.
Her first dress came from an advertisement in the local Pakenham paper to make a dress.
That debutante then brought five of her friends along and Leah S Designs started to take shape.
Adding to her business Ms Sukroo has recently developed two new product ranges. The first is Leah’s Exclusive which is a more upmarket range of dresses with decorative beading; the other, accessories including veils, necklaces and shoes.
Leah S Design is currently working in conjunction with the City of Greater Dandenong promotion focussing on making the city the bridal capital of Victoria.