We were lucky to catch up with Bresha Durham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Bresha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
The Underserved Community
Our community is one where economic challenges are a daily reality. Many families face barriers that limit access to quality education, extracurricular activities, and creative outlets. The children in these neighborhoods often lack the resources and support that are readily available in more affluent areas. This disparity affects their self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Despite these challenges, our community is rich in potential. The children here are brimming with creativity, ambition, and the desire to learn. They just need the right tools and opportunities to unlock their potential.
The Impact of Our Children’s Sewing Program
Our sewing program goes beyond teaching stitches and seams; it is about weaving together a sense of purpose and community. By providing a creative outlet, we empower children to express themselves, develop critical thinking skills, and gain confidence. The impact of our program extends far beyond the sewing machine.
1. Skill Development
2. Cultural Preservation
3. Economic Opportunities
4. Community Building
Serving the Community
Our brand is committed to serving this underserved community through a holistic approach. We provide resources, partnerships, and a platform for growth.
Resources: We ensure that all necessary materials and equipment are available, so every child can participate regardless of their financial situation. This includes sewing machines, fabrics, and other tools essential for learning.
Partnerships: Collaborating with community leaders and organizations, we create a network of support. These partnerships enable us to reach more children and provide additional resources, such as mentorship programs and career guidance.
Safe Spaces: We prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can thrive. Our workshops are held in community centers, local libraries and schools, places that are familiar and accessible to the children and their families.
Parental Involvement: We believe that involving parents in their child’s development is crucial. By eliminating financial barriers, we encourage parents to participate in showing up for children, promoting a supportive and collaborative environment where families can grow and learn together. This shared experience not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also hold parents accountable for being present and involved in their children’s journey of creativity and skill-building.
Our children’s sewing program is more than just an extracurricular activity; it is a lifestyle with our motto, “Be The Influence You Want To See!” Encouraging children to be the next great leaders of the community.
Bresha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I fell in love with fashion watching my great grandma design and create clothes at the kitchen table. Being so fascinated by how she turned nothing into something I asked her to teach me her knowledge. Since embarking on my journey in the fashion industry in 2010, I’ve been on a dedicated path of creativity, education, and community engagement. It all began at Orlando Tech, where my passion for sewing and design took root. In 2011, I furthered my commitment by pursuing a degree in Fashion Design, laying the foundation for a career driven by artistic expression and technical proficiency.
In 2014, I took a meaningful turn, finding joy and purpose in teaching children the art of sewing. This marked the beginning of my endeavor to pass on my skills and ignite a passion for creativity in the younger generation.
Venturing into the professional realm, by 2016, I had become a sought-after set seamstress and patternmaker. My role extended beyond the studio, encompassing freelance work that included collaborating on photo shoots and contributing to set designs. This period not only refined my technical skills but also allowed me to express my artistic vision in diverse creative projects.
As my career progressed, I recognized the power of fashion as a tool for community building. In 2022, I founded BInfluence Inc. nonprofit with a mission to empower and educate underserved children through the art of sewing. BInfluence Inc. aims to provide all the resources necessary for children to create freely, inspire confidence, and equip young minds with valuable life skills. The goal was not only to teach valuable skills but also to provide a positive and constructive outlet for children, cultivating a sense of community and steering them away from the challenges of the streets.
My journey in the fashion industry has been more than a career—it’s a narrative of creativity, education, and social impact. From the early days of learning the craft to the current pursuit of community-driven initiatives, my passion for fashion has evolved into a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. As I’ve grown and took action in my vision others connect with me easily and partnerships happen effortlessly. I’m proud of never giving up on myself no matter how many routes I’ve taken to get to this point. I’ve learned to believe in myself! Alignment happens with action, and faith without works in dead.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within the market was my unwavering consistency in pursuing my passion. I began by visiting local libraries in underserved communities, seeking partnerships to host sewing classes. After securing my first community center partnership with The Rick McDevitt Youth Center, I dedicated weeks to knocking on doors, personally inviting parents to enroll their children and sharing the program’s vision. Starting with just one student, my reputation grew as the program expanded to over 100 students, fueled by consistent organization, word of mouth from supporters, and the high demand for our classes.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been fostering a deep connection with our students, allowing them to unleash their creativity and express themselves fully. By creating a supportive and inspiring environment, students are not only eager to return but also excited to share their positive experiences with others. This has led to substantial word-of-mouth traffic, driving the continuous growth of our program as more and more families hear about the unique opportunities we offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.binfluence.net
- Instagram: @b.influence_
- Facebook: Binfluenceinc
- Other: Tik Tok: @Binfluenceinc
