Since 2016, our programs have been focused on lifting the Greater New Haven area, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including artists, artisans, and makers who are in recovery from homelessness, immigrants and refugees, and other locals. We help them create micro-enterprises, and small businesses and become better-adjusted productive citizens. We do this by providing a combination of
1. in-depth sewing mixed with the business of fashion education.
2. connecting them with the local community of business instruction, incubator/acceleration programming.
3. financial training,
4. safe housing (in progress).
Programs and Press
Sewing workshops that raise self-esteem, bring family provision and the creation of small business.
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Helping local fashion brand and other students learning to sew, to create pattern and to complete projects.
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"Design Studio by the Green," explores the ingenuity and sustainability principles implemented by a design studio situated adjacent to a scenic green space. It delves into the studio's commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, innovative design philosophy, and community engagement. The unique boutique reflects these principles: craftmanship, restoration, the longetivity of a product due to its quality,
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Exploring the concept and practice of apprenticeship programs, emphasizing their role in skill development, career pathways, and industry training across the fashion, design, retail, and more sectors.
Read MoreTinaliah The One who perseveres" team
Tea Montgomery
Business Facilitator/Designer and Instructor
Creator of Threads by Tea, a lifestyle brand of custom wearable art designed to inspire and empower. Tea holds an MA in Arts, entertainment and media and a BA in business management. He has taught Fashion Design at Coop High School and worked with many local art organizations (Collab New Haven, ConnCorp, Arts & Ideas and Gateway Community College.)
Timothy Limbrick
Editor
Tim is a versatile no-nonsense English Literature major from UCLA that helps us to navigate through language barriers. He is multicultural, works in urban setting Brooklyn NY as a cook during the day and a comedian at night.
Catherine Cazes-Wiley
Director, Instructor
From spending a decade in the aviation field as a Commercial Pilot/Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic to becoming a certified Milliner and Sewing Instructor/Alteration business owner; Catherine journey's is presently to revive the textile/fashion industry in New Haven. Catherine’s love for fashion and sewing led her to start an alteration business from home, to build the sewing Dpt of MakeHaven, then to create the non-profit teaching others sewing skills and the creation of small businesses.
John Wiley
Photographer
John has worked with the local education system as a Youth Behavior Specialist for over 40 years. He is our wise counsel on behavior, conflicts management and youth. He enjoys taking photos. He is married to Catherine.
Sharon (Shay) Jones
Seamstress, quality control
Shea is a sewist specialist, who has helped with in-house contracts. Her one-of-the-kind aprons have been exhibited at the Creative Art Workshop 3 years in a row. She has been present at every event, classes and fashion show lifting up SEDI with us.
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