We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Caldarera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Every great story begins with a crisis—and ours started with COVID-19. In March 2020, HTX Sewn Goods quickly mobilized to meet the urgent demand for PPE. In less than a year, we produced over 75,000 cloth face masks. Through this experience, we discovered a valuable skill set within our community.

HTX Sewn Goods is a non-profit organization, part of the larger Connect Community initiative, with the goal of revitalizing and strengthening the Gulfton/Sharpstown neighborhood in Houston. Known as the most diverse neighborhood in one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., many of our residents are newcomers to the country who face significant challenges entering the American workforce. HTX Sewn Goods aims to address these challenges by creating ethical manufacturing jobs and offering industrial sewing training while also supporting entrepreneurs in the production process.

In a neighborhood where sewing is a long-held tradition, we’ve been able to engage many residents, primarily women, to increase their skills and improve their ability to support their families. Our sewists receive industrial training, ESL classes, and digital literacy courses. What began as PPE production has now evolved into white-label manufacturing, where we produce products for 5-10 brands at any given time. This shift has allowed us to provide flexible job opportunities for sewists who may not otherwise be able to enter the workforce due to family and cultural obligations.

As our production continues to grow, we are now in the midst of a capital campaign to fund our move from our temporary 1,000 sq. ft. space inside a neighborhood church to a new 9,000 sq. ft. facility. This new space will be the first public-use textile lab in Houston, providing even more opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Houston’s innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit define HTX Sewn Goods, a textile manufacturing initiative revitalizing the local economy and creating skilled employment. As Director of Economic Vitality at Connect Community, my focus on workforce development and economic opportunity is embodied by HTX Sewn Goods.

HTX Sewn Goods grew from a need: local businesses sought small-batch textile production, but Houston lacked the infrastructure and skilled workforce. At the same time, many immigrants and refugees with textile expertise lacked access to industry training and job opportunities. We built HTX Sewn Goods to bridge that gap.

Located in Houston’s most diverse neighborhood, Gulfton/Sharpstown, HTX Sewn Goods is more than a production house—it’s a place-making initiative. At our new Textile Lab & Entrepreneurship Center, we offer a public-use space for entrepreneurs, designers, and sewists to collaborate, learn, and grow. We prioritize sustainable, small-batch manufacturing and fair-wage jobs, and have diverted over 2,000 pounds of textile waste from landfills.

HTX Sewn Goods is a workforce pipeline, creative incubator, and small-batch manufacturer all in one. Through our earn-and-learn model, we help individuals build careers, not just jobs, while offering flexible work options and support services like ESL training and on-site babysitting. This holistic approach ensures that immigrant women and other participants can thrive in Houston’s growing textile sector.

I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited about the future. Our goal is to make Houston a leader in sustainable, inclusive small-batch manufacturing. If you’re a designer or entrepreneur looking for production support or someone who wants to get involved, connect with us—together, we can create a more vibrant, opportunity-rich Houston.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One of the biggest challenges in small-batch manufacturing is connecting designers with local producers. Many emerging brands assume they need to go overseas for production because they don’t know where to find small-scale manufacturers in the U.S. Meanwhile, domestic producers struggle to find clients who need their services. This disconnect slows innovation and leads to costly, unsustainable supply chain choices.

When it comes to small-batch production, overseas manufacturing isn’t always the best option—especially for limited runs or upcycling. Sending materials abroad for small orders isn’t financially or environmentally viable, and it doesn’t align with sustainability goals.

There are two main issues:
Manufacturers prioritize large orders – Small designers often can’t find manufacturers willing to take on limited runs because it’s not profitable for them.
Producers struggle to find clients – Small-scale manufacturers often lack a central marketplace to connect with designers in need of small runs or sampling.
HTX Sewn Goods is addressing this gap by creating a visible, accessible space for small-batch textile production in Houston. We connect designers with local producers and help manufacturers find clients in need of small runs, sampling, or upcycling.

For small-batch production to thrive in the U.S., we need more transparency in manufacturing networks. Keeping production local supports jobs, reduces environmental impact, and is often more cost-effective. The future of fashion and textiles should be about smart, sustainable, and local production—no need to go overseas.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At HTX Sewn Goods, we treat our white-label clients like family—because to us, they are. Communication is at the heart of everything we do. From initial concept discussions to final production, we ensure our clients are involved, informed, and part of the process.

Unlike traditional manufacturers, we welcome our clients into the shop during production. They can see their products being made, meet the team, and experience firsthand the craftsmanship behind every piece. This open-door approach builds trust, transparency, and collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.htxsewngoods.com
• Instagram: @htxsewngoods
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htxsewngoods

Image Credits

Kimi Buser-Clancy