A Single thread can start a story. For Céline Uttaro and George Lemire, it began a legacy. The Embroidery Company stands as a testament to artistry, quality, and a passion that has been woven through generations. With over 30 years of industry experience, they provide embroidery and garment decoration services that blend tradition with modern precision, serving clients from their home base in Edmonton to locations across the globe.

Their journey is not just about building a business; it’s about continuing a family tradition rooted in craftsmanship. This is the story of how a small shop grew into one of Edmonton’s largest commercial embroidery companies, built on a foundation of guaranteed quality and exceptional service.

Working with The Embroidery Company is a partnership built on clarity and collaboration. Céline and George have refined their operations into a seamless, three-step process designed to bring a client’s vision to life with precision and care. This customer-focused approach ensures every project, big or small, receives the attention it deserves.
Every great design starts with understanding the goal. The team begins by listening carefully to the client’s needs, ideas, and objectives. This initial consultation is crucial for evaluating the project’s scope, from the type of garment to the complexity of the design. By asking the right questions, they ensure the final product will not only look great but also serve its intended purpose effectively.

Once the vision is clear, the artistry begins. The design team translates ideas into digital proofs, creating a tangible representation of the final embroidery. This stage is highly collaborative. Clients have the opportunity to review the design, request adjustments, if needed. This commitment to getting it right before the first stitch is made guarantees satisfaction and avoids costly mistakes.

With the design approved, the project moves into production. Skilled technicians and state-of-the-art embroidery machines get to work, transforming blank garments into pieces of wearable art. The focus remains squarely on quality control throughout the production run. Once complete, the finished items are carefully inspected, packaged, and delivered to the client, ready to make an impression.

The story of The Embroidery Company begins not in Edmonton, but decades earlier in Montreal. In the 1950s, Céline’s mother discovered her passion for embroidery, dedicating herself to mastering the intricate craft. Her skill and artistry eventually led her and Celine’s parents to open a prosperous commercial embroidery business in Kitchener, Ontario, in the 1980s.

Growing up surrounded by the hum of embroidery machines and the vibrant colors of thread, Céline absorbed the values of quality workmanship and customer dedication. Inspired by her parents’ success, she and her husband, George Lemire, saw an opportunity to carry the torch. With a deep understanding of the craft and a belief in the demand for high-quality embroidery, they decided to start their own chapter in western Canada.

In September 1995, Céline and George opened The Embroidery Company in Edmonton, Alberta. Their beginnings were modest: a 600-square-foot commercial space and a single 4-head embroidery machine. However, their unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and personalized customer service quickly set them apart. Within six months, word-of-mouth referrals began to pour in, and the business was a certified success.

The Embroidery Company’s reputation for excellence fueled its steady growth. What started as a small local shop soon attracted local, national, and even international clients. The initial 4-head machine was eventually joined by many more. Today, the company operates with an impressive 53 heads of embroidery and employs a dedicated team of 15 full-time staff, making it one of the largest operations of its kind in the city.

This success is not just anecdotal. It has been recognized time and again by industry peers. Céline and George have accumulated a remarkable collection of awards, a clear indicator of their consistent high standards.

Notable Awards Include: PPPC Image Award Gold Winner for “Best Embroidery”:2023, 2022, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2007, PPPC Image Award Silver Winner for “Best Embroidery”: 2018, 2011, PPPC Image Award Honourable Mention for “Best Embroidery”: 2013, 2011

Beyond awards, Céline and George are active and respected members of the business and trade community. Their professional memberships reflect a commitment to industry excellence and community engagement.

Their professional memberships include: ASI(Ad Specialty Institute), Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (since 1995), La Chambre Économique de l’Alberta, Embroidery Trade Association (since 2000), Gold Hoop Network (since 2000)

For Céline Uttaro, the success of The Embroidery Company is about more than business metrics. Celebrating thirty years Céline & George still believe their success lies in the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality embroidery and cresting for any venue. Looking to the future her vison is clear.  She hopes to honor the legacy passed down from her parents by continuing to lead the industry in quality and service. Over the years they have been called upon to do creative work for High Profile Companies and Events.

The Who’s Who Directories, a New York based biographical publication company, distinguishes and profiles leading professionals who demonstrate recognizable success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of individual accomplishments and achievement within the North American community.