We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Vazquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I taught myself to sew in high school but later sought formal training as I recognized my skills. Fashion design has always been my passion; however, it wasn’t a widely acknowledged career in my community of Boyle Heights. At that time, there were no available programs or support, and various external obstacles led to my lack of self-belief, which hindered my pursuit of this passion.

If I could do anything differently to enhance my skills, I would encourage my younger self to embrace my talents and pursue my personal goals with greater determination. I believe that sewing skills are incredibly valuable, a reality that became especially evident during the pandemic when the need for masks surged. I wish there would have been more accessible fashion programs for teens in my community—opportunities that weren’t overshadowed by sweatshop conditions.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am the lead garment engineer at a sewing studio called SewFYI in Los Angeles, where I teach a diverse range of workshops, from introductory sewing to advanced classes such as pattern-making for both adults and children. I find immense joy in helping others develop their skills, and I also spend considerable time behind the scenes altering clothes for commercials and music videos.

My passion for sewing and my commitment to creating garments with intention—rather than contributing to overconsumption—drive my work. Throughout my career, I have gained experiences at high-end fashion houses like Greg Lauren and have collaborated with renowned companies such as Mood Fabrics and Nike, among others. Through consistent practice, I have developed confidence in my skills and mastered the intricacies of sample creation while recognizing the importance of networking and embracing new opportunities.

What sets me apart is my talent, strong work ethic, and positive approach to challenges, regardless of their nature. I’ve realized that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial; it fuels my passion for my craft and enhances my problem-solving abilities, even in the realm of sewing. My capacity to teach others stems from my own experiences and the lessons learned through my mistakes.

I take great pride in the progress I’ve made and the confidence I have in my skills. Recently, I completed a stunning, larger-than-average ball gown for my niece, which further boosted my self-assurance, while also working behind the scenes with stylists for the Patrick Starrr cosmetic holiday campaigns.

As I strive to support and lead my own team at SewFYI, I hope that potential clients and collaborators will recognize my expertise and treat me with respect, fairness, and honesty. While my love for the craft is paramount, I believe I speak for many creators when I say that we deserve fair compensation.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as a book about entrepreneurship; rather, it’s more about self-love. The poems by Rupi Kaur that focus on learning to re-love yourself have deeply resonated with my personal experiences. I truly believe that when you are passionate about what you love, even when life outside your creative space is challenging, there is always motivation to keep creating.

These books were particularly helpful for me when I was younger and navigating my journey as the first person raised by immigrant parents to pursue a career in design. At times, the path felt very difficult, but these writings provided me with the support I needed to get through some of the rough patches in my personal life.

Now, I advocate for creative environments where everyone feels fulfilled in their roles. My goal is to inspire others to thrive and reach their own potentials.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Aside from sharing my talents with others, spending quality time with my daughter has become very important to me now that I’m a mom. While jobs in fashion can be demanding, teaching offers the flexibility to do what I love while being present for her.

In an age where fast fashion companies are becoming increasingly dominant, I find it refreshing to slow down and connect with those who inspire all my creative endeavors while also creating and rebuilding the system one stitch at a time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess.sewing.studio?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Other: Creative Workspace:
  SewFYI
  201 S Santafe Ave
  Los Angeles Ca
  90015

Image Credits

Matthew Salas