After graduating from a fashion school in Missouri, there was never any other option for me. I wanted to be in the fashion capital—New York City. I’d landed an internship in the stylist division at FORD Modeling Agency, which was a huge opportunity I couldn’t pass up. That led me to a job in the fashion industry for 7 years before starting The New York Sewing Center.
I was honestly surprised that sewing classes existed outside of a fashion college. Growing up in a small town, I hadn’t realized how viable super niche ideas could be in a big city. It was an epiphany moment. I knew right away that I was going to pursue it.
The Lightbulb Moment
As I worked in the fashion industry, I found myself designing and building a fashion brand, but interestingly, I wasn’t sewing much during that time. Sewing became something I did only on the side—something I still loved, but hadn’t fully realized could be the center of my career.
One day, while searching for part-time work, I found myself at a networking event, casually chatting with a complete stranger. In the middle of our conversation, she asked, “Do you know how to sew? You should teach sewing classes in NYC.”
That single question changed everything. It was one of those rare, life-altering moments when everything clicks into place. It was as if the universe had spoken directly to me, and I knew, without a doubt, that I was meant to teach sewing. I made the decision right then and there, and I never looked back.
Building a Sewing School
Creating the New York Sewing Center wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Learning how to build and run a successful business without a formal business education was a big challenge. I had to teach myself marketing, website development, accounting, and leadership skills to build a strong team. I devoured every self-help and business book I could find, and to this day, I only read books that help me grow personally and professionally. I even attended a 4-day Tony Robbin's Convention last year. I truly love entrepreneurship and know it’s what I’m meant to do!
I started small, teaching classes wherever I could, slowly building a community of students who wanted to learn the art of sewing. The demand grew, and I realized that people weren’t just interested in sewing—they craved a space to create, to express themselves, and to connect with others who shared the same passion.
Over the next ten years, what started as a single class turned into something much bigger. Today, we have two sewing center locations and a coworking space for fashion designers in both the Garment District and Williamsburg and an online community. We’ve grown into a team of 20 employees, all working toward the same mission: making sewing accessible, inspiring, empowering, and bringing the joy of sewing to others.
Lessons Learned
Work-life balance is a big lesson, especially as an entrepreneur, wife and parent. When you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t feel like work—it’s fun and inspiring. But knowing when to take breaks and carve out time for family and self-care is crucial. I’ve had to develop a system to make sure I’m balancing work, family, and personal well-being.
Building a successful business is a lifelong journey, and one I’m deeply passionate about—not just for myself, but for other entrepreneurs too. One lesson I’m constantly reminded of is the power of creativity and authenticity. In today’s world, especially in 2025, building a business means putting yourself out there—your work, your vision, and who you are.
It’s easy to look at what others are doing and feel like you need to follow their path, but what works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. The only way to build something truly strong and lasting is to stay true to yourself and your unique voice. If you’re thinking of starting a business, the best thing you can do is invest in your own personal growth first. Work on believing in yourself—because if you don’t, no one else will.
Looking back, I can see that my journey was never just about sewing. It was about following the signs, trusting my instincts, and embracing unexpected opportunities. If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone looking to turn their passion into a business, it’s this: stay open to the unexpected. You never know when a single conversation, a single idea, or a single moment of inspiration will change everything.
Most importantly, trust your inner guide and intuition.
When you follow what truly excites and fulfills you, you’ll be authentic and creative in a way that will help so many people. Sewing started as something I loved, and now it’s something I get to share with thousands of people. And to think, it all started in a basement with my great aunt, and with a stranger’s simple suggestion at a networking event.
Passion has a way of finding its path, as long as we’re willing to follow it.
Additional Classes by the New York Sewing Center