Sew & So... – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to Part 2 of OMG Fashun – Friends They Never Knew They Needed. In Part one, Co-Executive Producer Rich Brusa and Producer Marcy Guevara-Prete gave us an exclusive peek into the genesis and workings of this show. Then, several of the contestant/disruptors shared personal stories of their paths to this show and how it changed their lives.

Join us now as we meet more of the participants and hear their special and unique stories.

(:37) Meet Jarrod Olson (Instagram @jarrodbillieolson)and learn about his brand Billie’s

(2:14) Jarrod cites Rick Owens and Martin Margiela as major influencers. And…there was one more...

(3:27) What was the biggest challenge Jarrod faced. Like many of his fellow disruptors…it was time.

(5:27) What’s Jarrod’s dream?!

(6:27) Learn about designer Natashia Lunt(Instagram @natashia.lunt)and the princess dress! Her mother’s resourcefulness and her grandmother’s keen eye were major influence in her early years. And so was Vogue Magazine!

(10:09) Vivian Westwood and Alexander McQueen influenced her work…and as for her entrée to OMG Fashun?!

(11:07) Highs and lows for Natashia? And oh…how about the bond with her fellow disruptors? How about the stress and pressure?

(13:20) What’s Natashia’s dream?

(13:42) Meet Theo Banzon (Instagram @theobot)winner if episode #4. Learn where he grew up, why he learned to sew and why all of this made him a perfect contestant for OMG Fashun.

(15:36) What was his most memorable moment on the show? How about his treating the show as a summer camp?

(16:47) What’s next for Theo and what should we as consumers know about the fashion industry?

(18:06) Theo tells us about a special group of contestants who bonded and called themselves The Disruptor 6.

(19:18) Meet Chelsea Billingsley (Instagram @Chelseab128) from Chicago. She was the winner of episode 3 and made a name for herself with her crocheted creations. Learn about her brand The House of Chelsea B. Also, she tells us about her first models!

(22:01) So, who are Chelsea’s influencers? Teyana Taylor, Taoray Wang, Jerry Lorenzo to name just a few.

(22:52) Most memorable moments? And…biggest challenge…oh there was definitely a moment!

(25:22) Chelsea tells us about her involvement with The Disruptor 6.

(26:48) How did OMG Fashun help Chelsea grow as a designer? Trusting herself was a major bonus!

(28:10) Her advice to others who want to be on OMG Fashun?

Our deepest thanks to all who gave us their time to make this episode possible. Most importantly to the people at Scout Productions...and BERNINA! Stay tuned for more about these amazing disruptors and their future accomplishments.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

We’re taking you behind the scenes—to give you an exclusive peek into the making of OMG Fashun www.omgfashun.com But that’s not all. We’ll dive deep into intimate conversations with these contestants—scratch that, fashion disruptors—who dared to defy the norm and redefine what it means to create.

But before we dive into the world of our extraordinary contestants, we’re sitting down with two of the people behind the show—Co-Executive Producer Rich Brusa and Producer Marcy Guevara-Prete. Rich is no stranger to the limelight, with three Emmy nominations and two Critic’s Choice Awards under his belt. He’s worked on iconic shows like Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Top Chef. Marcy, a host and plus-size style expert, has been featured on Rachael Ray, The Dr. Oz Show, Hallmark Home, and Oprah.com. These two powerhouses are here to spill the tea on what went into creating ‘OMG Fashun.’

Rich and Marcy will take us behind the scenes, revealing the trials, triumphs, and everything in between that went into making this show a reality. From Julia Fox’s game-changing vision to the intense vetting process that whittled down the contestants to just 30, they’ll share it all.

We’ll also hear how sustainability played a crucial role in the show, its impact on the fashion industry, and what it was really like to work with fashion heavyweights Julia Fox and Law Roach.

(2:35) What does a show producer do?! Rich Insta (@Rich_But_not_wealthy) and Marcy Insta(@themarcyminute) explain their work and how it affects the show.

(6:11) How did this whole show’s idea begin? Again, Rich and Marcy share its genesis. And a big thanks to Julia Fox!

(12:13) So how did the show choose the contestants? There was quite a process! Rich and Marcy also explain the “types” of people they looked for.

(16:11) How about sustainability and how the show brought its impact to the fashion industry?

(17:56)We asked Marcy and Rich what it was like to work with Julia Fox  Insta (@juliafox)and Law Roach Insta (@luxurylaw)

(19:33) Let’s meet the disruptors. Bree Billiter (Insta @breeotiginaldesigns)

who grew up in Massachusetts and now lives in New York leads off this incredible cast of disruptors.

(21:42) And how about Alice in Wonderland and the huge effect it had on Bree’s image of herself and her path forward.

(22:34) Who have been some of her biggest influences and what motivated her to be on OMG Fashun?

(23:40) What was her best moment on the show? Well, Law Roach made this happen as he “flipped a switch) inside her.

(24:39) Did the show help Bree further develop her skills and what’s her advice for future contestants?

(25:20) What’s Bree’s dream – listen up Disney!

(25:37) While Bree was honing her skills on the East Coast, in the state of Washington Jersey Cruz (Insta @jersetvirago)was busy working on hers! The winner of Episode 3, Jersey shares how she learned to sew and where this took her in her life.

(27:46)Jersey walks us through her creative process

(28:53) And, what’s her personal style? She describes it for us here!

(29:50) Jersey Virago is the name of her brand. How did she come up with this name…she tells us the story behind it all! And she tells us who influenced her style and designs

(31:19) Jersey has always seen the world differently…how did this lead her to OMG fashion?!

(32:45) What about the amazing memories and challenges on the show? And Did she grow being on the show?

(34:05) And finally, what’s Jersey’s dream?!

Well, that’s it for part one of the OMG episode…join us next time for part two!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest in this episode is George Kalajian the owner/operator of Tom’s Sons International Pleating which was founded more than 50 years ago by his grandfather.

Born in Lebanon and moving to the US when he was 5 years old. After working with his father for a time, he went off on his own and worked in technology, as a teacher and as a bartender. Coming back to the family business…George has worked with myriad designers, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and on many tv shows, films and Broadway plays. George traces his family’s involvement in the business back 150 years to his great, great grandfather Krikor Tutounjian who owned a fabric factory in Turkey.

(2:00) George takes us through his the rich and touching story of his family and how they got him to where he is today. It all started 150 years ago!

(7:25) George learned from his father…was he interested in learning? Absolutely not! It was the equivalent to “being dipped in boiling oil”! In fact, her left the business entirely for a while.

(9:00) What was George’s life like outside of the family business? He grew up in New York City where he went to school then worked/played at the factory in his free time. What were holidays like in his family? All work…and Clint Eastwood!

(11:12) How did George realize he “got the bug”? After several years away from the business  - one day he came back to visit and SAW…really saw his mother and father in the business and understood that he needed to step in to continue the family business. Hear him tell this story.

(14:25) Pleating…the life blood of his business…what is it? George explains here.

(15:54) What are the different types of pleating? He walks us through this and includes how it’s all done. 

(18:23) He’s worked with numerous designers…here he talks about some of the special projects he’s done with them and why they are notable. Coach, Calvin Klein, and many more!

(21:27) He has done several restoration projects for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Dior. He tells us these wonderful stories. He also talks about how it’s fascinating to him to be able to work with and learn from older garments. Learn how a little bravado got him and his father access to valuable and fragile garments. At the last minute, a dream his father had finally solved the puzzle of how to accomplish what they needed to do.

(26:29) In addition to all he’s done, George has worked on several TV specials. He talks about some of the pieces he’s worked on for these productions.  For example, Bertha Russell’s costume The Gilded Age, and The God’s of Egypt.

(25:50) George made his wife’s wedding dress…hear this wonderful story here. Bad luck to see the dress? Not at all!!

(31:25) What’s the most challenging this about what he does? Adhering to the old-world methods of producing garments in a city that’s getting farther away from this manufacturing age.

(32:37) What’s this most important thing George wants sewists to know about his work and pleating?! Learn that right here!

(34:40) What is Project Golden Bear? A special project that has grown into so many ways to serve!

(40:00) The new movie Fallout features George’s work. Based on a video game…he tells us this story.

(41:00) What’s next and what’s his dream?

(42:34) Is there something we didn’t ask?

(43:12)How can you reach out the George…www.internationalpleating.com, Instagram @internationalpleating, email info@internationalpleating.com ATTN: George.  www.projectgoldenbear.com

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Our guest in this episode is Robyn Cuthbertson. Born in Melbourne Australia and raised in Lower Plenty (about an hour northeast of Melbourne), she learned to sew from her mom. Robyn was always interested in crafting, so sewing was a natural progression for her. 

She graduated from Melbourne University with degrees in Engineering and Physics and spent most of her university free time hanging out with the juggling club and perfecting her circus skills on a unicycle. At age 30, while working on her PhD in Engineering, Robyn was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease and was forced to give up her engineering career. Her mom suggested that she try machine quilting and as Robyn puts in…it was “love at first stitch”!

When not creating, Robyn practices snorkeling, underwater photography and her newfound passion for free diving. 

(2:09) How did her mom start teaching Robyn to sew? Robyn’s persistence had a lot to do with it.

(3:00) Her grandmother – a tailor – was instrumental as well.

(3:32) What’s the first thing Robyn made…she tells us here.

(4:10)At university, Robyn studied engineering and physics…why these subjects?! For fun and to get a job!

(5:08) Have her scholastic degrees helped her get to where she is now? Why yes…they have!

(7:39) The juggling club and the unicycle…why? Oh…and fire twirling too!

(10:32) Sewing carried Robyn for years – then she was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. Hear her remarkable story of illness and moving forward in both her body and mind. And then…Robyn and her mom decided to start a business doing something neither of them knew anything about and were initially “terrible” at doing.

(13:11) Robyn tells us about mitochondrial disease and what it’s like to live with.

(16:10) Who inspires Robyn? There are four individuals who have made a lasting impression on her and her work. Annamieke Mein https://www.annemiekemein.net.au/, Bethanne Nemesh https://whitearborquilting.com/, Judi Madsen https://www.judimadsen.com/ and Cindy Needham https://www.cindyneedham.com/. And the whole community has inspired her as well!

(20:19) When the pandemic hit and quilt shows were shut down, Robyn turned to textile art. This was a difficult time for her after all of the work she had put into her quilts. Not finding motivation to continue quilting…she found textile art with a 6” square piece.

(22:21) What’s she working on now?

(23:19) Robyn’s spare time is taken up by underwater photography, snorkeling and free diving. She shares with us why these are important and exhilarating for her.

(26:58) Why does Robyn think she’s a goldfish? And, what’s next for her?

(27:55) What’s her dream?

(29:25) What didn’t I ask?

(30:10) How do you reach Robyn? www.robynjdesigns.com.au and on Instagram            @robynjdesings

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Designer, author, educator, and entrepreneur Jessica Barrera is our guest in this episode of Sew & So. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she learned to sew at an early age. She studied entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

When not running her growing company, she enjoys coffee, being a mom, coffee, home decorating, travelling and black and white movies!

(1:20) How did she learn to sew? Her mom taught Jessica when she was 5 years old. The first thing she made?! A quilt for her American Girl Doll!

(1:56) Who/What inspired her to sew…and keep going? It was her mom who worked for Nancy Zieman! And all of her many moms who worked for Nancy.

(3:12) In college she started her pattern and supply company on the side. Learning marketing and teaching she was aiming for a “real job” ...but she also wanted to follow her heart. When she graduated her business was so strong she could continue. Hear how her mom’s suggesting charted her new course! And how supplies grew as an offering!

(5:12) Entrepreneurship was her area of study at UW…which course meant the most to her? She tells us here!

(6:10) What’s the Puppy Pillow? This pivotal project helped her company grow, and it was her first pattern.

(7:05) How did she name her business Sallie Tomato? She shares that story with us here!

(7:36) Jessica loves black and white movies and Cary Grant!

(7:51) She uses her patterns to attract new generations of makers while still serving an older demographic. She walks us through how she does this.

(9:09) Jessica talks to us about the uniqueness of the new generation of sewists. Pinterest and Instagram are notable drivers in how they make decisions. Fabrics and upcycling too!

(9:58) Sallie Tomato is successful and growing. To what does she attribute this to? She tells all here! It all boils down to community and collaboration!

(11:13) What unique things does Jessica bring to the table. She shares her special niche.

(12:05) In 2018 Jessica switched from selling items she created to selling instructions – this changed her life. Listen as she walks us through this evolution.

(12:58) What would she have done differently? Well…not much. And the toughest part of her business…?!

(13:57) She believes very strongly in sustainability and shares seventeen tenants on her website. Jessica walks us through a few of these.

(15:50) She provides suggestions for all sewists on how to support sustainability.

(16:12) Jessica LOVES her hometown – Fox Lake, WI. Learn why it’s so special and how her business has helped it flourish! She events invites all of us to visit. She also tells the story of how she acquired her location and dreamt of it since she was a little girl!

(18:30) Jessica loves to travel. As a family they camp in the Midwest and enjoy all that’s around them. She shares this love with us.

(19:26) She loves many things…what don’t we know about her?! Besides being a mom of two boys…?!

(20:35) What’s next for her? Learn it here!

(21:20) What didn’t I ask? The pride she feels about the two books she’s written! 

(22:10) Cork fabric is important to her. What is this and why does it mean so much?!

(23:21) You can find Jessica on Instagram and YouTube…all social media too!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

(2:04) Karen brings us back up to speed on how she learned to sew. Her mom was the influencer on her – one of six children who learned to sew at the age of 6! Hear how this all began for Karen.

(4:03) Were any of her sewing skills applicable for her training and life as an astronaut? Yes, they were…she explains here.

(4:55) How did Karen get into the space program? As a kid she started to proclaim that she wanted to be an astronaut! She put it out there and made it happen!

(6:16) Karen sewed on the space station in 2013. Hear what she created and what it took to do this in her “free time”. She also explains why it was tough to get into her “creative space”. She talks about the Quilts Inc./NASA Quilt Block Challenge and the resulting quilt of 28 blocks. 

(9:57) Where are these items now? She tells us!

(10:51) Is sewing in space different than sewing on earth? Yes, it is in many ways!

(14:07) So, since we last talked Karen put together an exhibit for the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY. www.quiltmuseum.org She tells us what she put together and what else will be displayed.

(16:35) What was her inspiration for curating this exhibit?

(17:37) How long does it take to put together an exhibit of this type? She takes us through the journey.

(18:44) Karen put together two portraits to celebrate women in space that was on exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center… Valentina Tereshkova and Sally Ride

Karen tells us about this exhibit and why it’s important.

(21:00) Karen has a partnership with Osom Brand www.osombrand.com a textile recycler who she met through Instagram! Hear this story and the Scrap Cycle Program

(24:03) Anything else she’s been up to? Well, she had two fabric lines. Earth Views with Robert Kauffman and Orbital Sunrise!

(25:38) Karen now shares what it takes to be an astronaut and what it’s like to be in space. Today, there are more than 18,000 applications for the space program. She is also on the astronaut selection board, so she shares what they look for in candidates.

(29:10) She takes us inside the two-year training program!

(30:11) What’s it like to blast off and go into space? She shares this with us…launching on the shuttle and on Soyuz. In 8 minutes, she went from earth to travelling 17,500 miles per hour!

(32:26) Karen’s husband Doug Hurley is an astronaut. Does their son Jack want to follow in their footsteps? And does he sew?

(34:38) What’s next for Karen? New fabrics and a new textile art piece.

(35:46) Is there anything we didn’t ask?

(35:59) How do you reach Karen? www.karennyberg.com, Insagram @astrokarenn and Facebook @Karennyberg

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Travel with us to Andalusia, Spain for an amazing conversation with Cristina Arcenegui Bono whole cloth quilter extraordinaire!

(2:27) How did Cristina learn to sew? Well…she never really did!

(3:15)Who is her inspiration? How about her 40 cousins?! And wait…there’s more!

(5:16) Cristina started out her career in the Travel & Tourism industry in London…to help improve her English. She shares that story here.

(7:05) Cristine used to frequent haberdashery shops www.libertylondon.com which fueled her love for textile art. It all began when she came to London and the first thing she did was to visit the museums. And then there’s the story of how she learned to cross-stitch because she became very ill.

(10:10) The movie How to Make an American Quilt was a springboard for her ambitions, hear the story here…it was all about community!

(13:07) Her work is stunning…many of which are made for the sole purpose of entering contests. She shares a story of one these competitions, the quilt and what made this so meaningful.

(16:40) Her quilts are based on the illustrations of Johanna Basford www.johannabasford.com, Daira Song @daria486, Rita Berman @rite.berman and Svete Dorosheva www.svetsdorosheva.com. She explains her focus on children living authentic childhoods!

(20:50) Her signature quilts are pictorial whole cloth quilts. She explains what this is. And, what it’s like to listen “incognito” to people experiencing her quilts at exhibitions. 

(24:43) Patchwork quilts weren’t popular in Spain at the turn of the century. Why? She explains. www.SpanishPatchworkAssociation.org

(27:35) in 2005 she bought her first longarm and opened her quilting business. How’s it going?! She tells us here. 

(29:54) The pandemic opened a whole new world for Cristina teaching on line. She talks about the positives that came into her life!

(32:10) What inspires her? Her childhood…and her cousins! Traveling means a lot as she saw her first hummingbird…and a Zebra. Not to mention all those she gets to meet on the road. When she taught in California and needed to then get to Houston, she took a train to experience the country – the trip of her life… including a sunset in Arizona. 

(36:04) What’s her dream? To get published in a magazine and to teach in Korea and Japan. Why there? She explains!

(38:06) Finally, what didn’t we ask? 

(28:23) Want to contact Cristina? Facebook Cristina Arcenegui Bono, Instagram @cristinaarceneguibono, and www.crisarcbono.com

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Handbag Designer 101 – is synonymous with Emily Blumenthal as she has done it all. What makes her different is that she takes her creations one step further in teaching not only HOW to design…but what to do next with your creations. Born and raised as a New Jersey Girl, she now makes her home on the lower East side of New York.

(2:55) It was the entrepreneurial spirit that her parents instilled in her that got her on her way to where she is today. Hear how ADHD helped her along the journey.

(4:24) Who else was an influence on her? Well, both parents of course in the garment industry…and there was more as her whole family were entrepreneurs!

(6:05) What were her first creations? Well…first she learned how to find things to sell.

(7:28) So, why did she choose to design handbags? Necessity is the mother of invention – combined with dance parties!

(8:47) What’s her process for design? She tells us about this and how Kate Spade had a hand in things with her.

(13:50) Learn the difference between a utility patent and a design patent!

(14:50) How are the various designers she works with? They are “all the same”! And she offers words of caution and advise for those who create.

(16:55) Emily works with investors and provides counsel to designers about the future. How does this work? She also explains why items in color cost more than items in black or white.

(22:35) And then there’s the “what Now” moment. Emily explains what this is and how to manage it.

(23:30) Emily is a podcasted…Handbag Design 101. She takes us inside this show.

(25:41) Why did the New York Times call her the Handbag Fairy Godmother?

(39:59) The handbag awards launched the careers of multiple designers. Emily tells us about some of them!

(31:55) Kidpreneurship and Savvy Suzanna. What are these? Emily tells us.

(35:54) What’s next for Emily? How about an Out of Office on her email!

(37:56) And what didn’t I ask…? 

(39:00) How do you find Emily? HBD101 on Facebook and Handbag Designed on everything else.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Only coming to quilting 5 years ago, Linda Diak has had a life full of creativity. She’s raised and sheered her own sheep for fibers to spin. She’s crafted knitting needles and crochet hooks, and beautiful bespoke art quilts. Her newfound love for quilting began at a chance opportunity to sit down at a long arm and well…let’s let her tell you more.

(2:00) How did she learn to sew? Her grandmother was a tailor and furrier who took the reins. However, it wasn’t easy because grandma did it faster! Her mother was a maker too.

(3:45) Marietta Jones was quite an influence on both Linda and her grandmother. Founder of the Shuttle Craft Hand Guild in the 1940’s and 50’s whose focus was on bringing hand weaving back to America. Looms were everywhere in her home. Linda tells us her story.

(5:49) At 18 years old, Linda went to Atlanta to go to design school and where this ended up was not initially apparent to her. The first of many twists and turns.

(9:00) A heard of sheep, guard llamas, dogs, cats and more. Linda tells us how this menagerie came to be, how she crafted fibers and the evolution of her company to DyakCraft.

(12:35) Linda takes us through the process of creating fibers from sheering the sheep to spinning the fibers. It’s not easy…learn more than you ever thought was involved!

(15:32) And how did Grafton Fibers become DiakCraft…yet another unforeseen twist!

(19:00) What was the impetus for Linda to begin to create art quilts? Yet another life event led her to this new endeavor. 

(20:54) How does she choose the subjects of her quilts? She shares this with us here.

(21:50) What are her favorite creations? Baskim Farms for one! Hear about this organization and the wonderful sustainable work they do.

(24:08) Sitting down at a long arm five years ago at Waterwheel Quilt Shop in Londonderry, VT was life changing. She knew in this moment that quilting would play a large part in the rest of her life.

(25:30) The Rutland Plywood Company played a part in yet another life changing event. Linda tells us this story.

(29:40) What’s her favorite creation? It’s the thing she just finished making!

(30:55) The recipient of a recent WomensNet Amber Grant, Linda tells us about the history of this award and how she won this recognition.

(33:12) What inspires Linda? Nature, animals, color, lines and the work of others!

(43:50) Linda’s mother had a great influence on her. A director of nursing in Youngstown, OH her pragmatism and common sense was instilled in Linda. This sense of self and independence has served Linda well. And her father…his influence was paramount as well. 

(38:00) Linda is involved with VINE rescue. She tells us about this organization, their work and how she supports them. Hear the story of the travels of Tiki the Emu!

(41:26) What’s next and what’s her dream?!

(42:30) You can reach Linda at www.lindadiakquilts.com and linda@lindadiakquilts.com. Facebook and Instagram as well!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests. 

Owner of Kinship Handwork, Tina VanDenburg has lived life others simply dream of. Ready for chances, and learning from experiences, Tina left no stone unturned in searching for passion, peace, and a fully lit-up life.

Born and raised near Grand Rapids, MI, her sewing journey began when she couldn’t find cloths that fit her body. Before that she lived in Alaska then returned to Michigan and built houses as a carpenter. 

She blogs and has a vibrant podcast called In Kinship.

(2:06) How did Tina learn how to sew…through osmosis and independence!

(2:55) Tina’s grandmother was a sewist – but Tina never really paid attention. Her grandmother’s creativity left an indelible mark on her…but Tina really didn’t understand…until it was too late. She explains…here and how her grandmother is still with her now anytime she sews.

(6:04) In her 20’s Tina traveled to Alaska to live – she takes us on this adventure to Denali National Park, Anchorage and Seward. She also talks about her decision about college and her future and how a BIG job changed her life when she realized that there was more to living than a bag phone. Alaska opened her mind and changed her trajectory.

(10:45) And then…she returned to Michigan missing her family and wanting to meet her new nephew. Alaska was never far from her heart.

(11:25) Being curious and adventurous got her into the next phase of her life…the purchase of a brick-and-mortar bookstore. It was that “little voice”!  And then…she learned to sew…and there was a “gateway dress.”

(20:25) Tina believes that we can take our lives – the whole experience” into our own hands. She loves to disconnect from the “should” to create the life she wants. This free spirit tells us more. Some of this came from an experience in Alaska – go figure!

(23:45) Learn about her four steps to a peace filled, joyful day. These practices have and continue to set her up to feel grounded and capable.

(25:09) Tina does many things to remain empowered…she talked about her many interests and skills.

(27:01) Tina describes the Fully Lit-up Life!

(31:15) Community and gathering with others is paramount to Tina and sharing it is even more energizing. Especially on her podcast In Kinship. 

(32:26) She does retreats on Mackinac Island – she takes us through one!

(33:21) What inspires Tina? Authenticity, Bravery and more!

(35:00) What’s tina’s secret aspiration? She shares this here for the first time!

(35:57) Her podcast In Kinship began a year ago and since that time she’s had some remarkable conversations. She shares a few of them here. 

(43:23) What’s her dream? Well…it’s shifted because of a few notable life events. And…then there’s two acres and a little house on wheels!

(45:13) What didn’t we ask? 

(45:50) Want to reach out to Tina? Her website is www.kinshiphandwork.com, you can find all there! 

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

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