Emery started sewing with me when she was 11, and took 6 years of classes. In her junior year, she applied for Cascadia Tech School in SW Washington, which counts for both college and high school credits. In 2023, I highlighted some of Emery’s projects with me – including an Eliza dress from Hamilton, a Hermione dress from Harry Potter, and much more!
For her senior project this year, Emery chose to do a fashion show. She created a collection – four looks in ten items. They turned out so well – and she got 100%! She also was selected to attend the DECA Career Development Conference and received awards there.
This past year, I’ve watched as Emery has pursued her design to study fashion and applied to three different colleges. We had a big celebration the day she was accepted into LIM College of Fashion in Manhattan, New York! She’ll be working on her degree in Fashion, Business Management and Leadership, with a minor in Fashion Design.
I have so enjoyed sewing with Emery over the years. She is a very enthusiastic student. When she makes mistakes, she just starts over and learns from it. Nearly every little girl that comes into my studio says they want to be a fashion designer when they grow up. This just tickles my fashion design heart that one of the many kids that come through here is actually going to design school in New York! I’m going to miss her so much, but I’m so excited to see where she goes next. Emery is proof that this dream is possible and she is teaching other girls to follow their passions. For that, I am so proud of her.