Designer’s Bio

Meet the Instructor: Kathreen

From being a licensed pharmacist to a celebrated fashion designer, educator, and technical design and production expert, Mimi has seamlessly woven diverse threads of expertise into her career fabric. Currently deeply engaged in the manufacturing niche, she brings a wealth of experience to both the design and production processes. On her blog, she shares a treasure trove of sewing insights, aiming to empower a community where creativity and innovation thrive. Let's delve deeper into her multifaceted journey and her aspirations for the sewing community.

1. How did your journey in sewing begin?

My sewing journey started when I was 15, tinkering with my mom's old sewing machine after learning how to sew by hand in our Home Economics class. At 18, I treated myself to my own electric sewing machine and watched every YouTube tutorial I could find, and soon realized my love for crafting garments. Despite finishing my degree and becoming a licensed pharmacist, my heart pulled me towards fashion, so I decided to take a 1 year fashion design course, which led me to become a full-fledged fashion designer specializing in women's event wear by 2016. A few years later, I ventured into teaching sewing and patternmaking, dedicating six enriching years to empowering aspiring fashion designers in my alma mater.

2. What project are you most proud of?

There are quite a few! The most special ones were designing wedding gowns for my cousins. They allowed me the freedom to infuse my own style and make the pieces uniquely theirs, and it was incredibly fulfilling to contribute to their special day. Another significant project was launching our brand, Hiraya The Label, during the pandemic. With everything at a standstill, my friends and I decided to create something meaningful — it was a huge learning curve but tremendously growth-inducing, and I still take all the lessons I've learned from it with me until now.

3. Wow, it seems like you've done a variety of things throughout your career! How did you transition from made-to-measure couture to focusing on the manufacturing niche?

It's been quite a ride! Going from making one-of-a-kind dresses for special occasions to diving into the manufacturing side of things — it's been a whole journey. During the pandemic, with events on pause and there's less demand for event-specific attire, I had to rethink my path so I shifted my focus to the broader aspects of fashion. This transition involved learning the ropes of technical design, 3D fashion, and production management, which allowed me see how fashion industry works on a larger scale.

4. Wasn't it difficult to transition into different niches?

Absolutely, transitioning into different niches was indeed quite challenging, and I won't sugarcoat it—there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially because I had very limited resources back then. However, my curiosity and eagerness to learn propelled me forward. Probably the best decision I made was to learn softwares for fashion. It wasn't really taught to us back in school so learning how to use them was challenging and frustrating for me but looking back, my best investments are really the ones where I bet on myself. I never started with professional setups in any of the niches I explored, but I took it upon myself to be resourceful and look for opportunities to learn (the internet is free, after all!). Despite the initial challenges, each step of the journey brought invaluable lessons and insights that have shaped me into the person I am today. So, while it was undoubtedly a tough road, the rewards of personal and professional growth made every challenge worthwhile.

5. What inspired you to start teaching in fashion?

Initially, it was a practical decision — I needed a job. When I was younger, I never really imagined myself being a teacher as I was too shy back then and I didn't like talking in front of people. But eventually, when I got the teaching job at my alma mater, I realized you really get to enjoy it, especially when you're teaching about something you're really passionate about. My love for teaching grew, and I wanted to share my knowledge with even more people. That's when I became part of Sewing Pattern Secrets, where I played a crucial role in launching our line of PDF patterns. I was deeply involved in the process, testing patterns and creating tutorial videos for sewing. This platform allowed me to reach a wider audience and share my passion for sewing and patternmaking with an even larger community.

Sewing Pattern Secrets offers over 125 high-quality and popular sewing patterns with step-by-step instructions, allowing anyone to create stunning, professional clothes and crafts. You can check out Sewing Pattern Secrets and explore our offerings through my affiliate link here.

6. What do you find most rewarding about being a fashion instructor?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is witnessing the transformation and growth of my students. Seeing their confidence soar as they master new techniques and create beautiful garments is incredibly fulfilling. It's a joy to be part of their journey as they discover their creativity and develop their skills. Additionally, the sense of community that forms within the classroom is priceless — I love seeing a supportive environment where students can learn from each other and cheer each other on. Ultimately, knowing that I've played a role in empowering others to pursue their passion for fashion and sewing brings me satisfaction and keeps me inspired to continue teaching.

7. What advice do you have for sewists and aspiring fashion designers who are just starting to learn sewing?

My advice would be to embrace the journey and be patient with yourself. Sewing is a skill that takes time and practice to master, so don't be discouraged by mistakes or setbacks. Instead, view them as valuable learning experiences that will only make you better in the long run. Don't be afraid to seek out resources and support. There are countless online tutorials, books, and classes available to help you learn and improve your sewing skills. Finally, practice regularly and be open to trying new things. Don't hesitate to challenge yourself with more complex projects as you gain confidence and experience. Every garment you create is a reflection of your creativity and craftsmanship, so embrace the process and enjoy the journey of bringing your ideas to life through sewing.

6. How do you envision your blog impacting the sewing community?

I see my blog as a space where everyone — from beginners to seasoned pros — can come together to learn, share, and grow. My goal is to make sewing less intimidating and more accessible to everyone who wants to give it a try. I want to provide clear, practical tips and tutorials that empower people to unleash their creativity and tackle new projects with confidence. Ultimately, I hope my blog fosters a supportive community where we can all inspire and learn from each other, making sewing a fun and fulfilling journey for everyone involved.

- KC

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