When someone walks into my class, I want them to see that it’s filled with creativity, care and passion. At Open Threads, we provide sewing and training to refugees, low-income or formerly incarcerated individuals, or anyone from the community who’s just interested in learning a new skill. The space was founded in 2000 by Sister Mary Eileen with a mission to share knowledge and empower the community.
Before coming to Open Threads, I worked as a truck driver for the City of Cleveland’s Waste Department. But I’ve always had an interest in fashion. I used to co-own U.C. ME Boutique, and would design and resell women’s clothing. I met Open Threads at an event we were both vending, and they asked me if I knew how to sew. I’d always wanted to learn, so I decided to enroll. I took their eight week training class, and it has been full speed ahead. It opened up doors for new businesses; I started my own clothing brand Cloud Nine Couture, and have a vehicle customization business now as well.
We have a lot of individuals that come in and speak Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic. So we try to post signs around where we can help to communicate with them, and we use Google Translate. A lot of times, visual cues are the most helpful.
When students leave, I would love for them to walk away with a sense of community, with new skills, and knowing that they always have a safe space to come back to. I want them to know that they always have someone to support them in their creative walk.
Before coming to Open Threads, I worked as a truck driver for the City of Cleveland’s Waste Department. But I’ve always had an interest in fashion. I used to co-own U.C. ME Boutique, and would design and resell women’s clothing. I met Open Threads at an event we were both vending, and they asked me if I knew how to sew. I’d always wanted to learn, so I decided to enroll. I took their eight week training class, and it has been full speed ahead. It opened up doors for new businesses; I started my own clothing brand Cloud Nine Couture, and have a vehicle customization business now as well.
We have a lot of individuals that come in and speak Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic. So we try to post signs around where we can help to communicate with them, and we use Google Translate. A lot of times, visual cues are the most helpful.
When students leave, I would love for them to walk away with a sense of community, with new skills, and knowing that they always have a safe space to come back to. I want them to know that they always have someone to support them in their creative walk.