JUKI STARS
ISAIC
ISAIC, Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, is creating better lives through a better industry. A national resource for the sewn goods industry, ISAIC is a fundamental new approach to the future of work that puts people trained in both traditional sewing skills, as well as advanced and emerging technologies, at the forefront of sustainable soft goods production. A Detroit-based 501c3 nonprofit, ISAIC is creating a foundation for attracting an industry focused on re-shoring production back to the U.S. For more information, visit isaic.org.
BILLIAM
In the Summer of 2009, while working a summer job at a call center, Bill Mitchell would spend his evenings in his parent’s basement on his mother’s sewing machine tailoring clothes. After college, he purchased used machines on Craigslist and would teach himself pattern making. He eventually created a collection of patterns that he would use as building blocks for his customers. Soon after, a local newspaper ran an article on Bill, which catapulted his business.
Billiam’s collection of jeans are all hand crafted in house and the denim sourced from the legendary Cone Mills, North Carolina. For more information, visit billiamjeans.com.
KENYA FREEMAN
KENYA FREEMAN is the Senior Lead Designer and CEO of Sylvia Mollie Collections – an American lifestyle brand that embodies bold femininity with transitional ready-to-wear pieces, and effortless makeup. Inspired by two bold women in her life, Sylvia (mother) and Mollie (grandmother), Kenya set out to create classic garments that instills power and confidence to fearless women making an impact in the world.
Born in Norfolk, VA, Kenya had love for designing and sewing at an early age, which naturally guided her to study Fashion Design at American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, Georgia. After years of blood, sweat, and tears (and faith), Kenya earned her first big break in 2013, where she showed a collection at WWD Magic in Las Vegas. In 2016 she won the Emerging Artist Award from the city of Atlanta, and was a top designer and finalist on Season 16 of Project Runway. She’s also a brand ambassador for Ford. Kenya most recently launched a new plus size line called Curved by Sylvia Mollie. This is only the beginning for Kenya Freeman and the Sylvia Mollie brand, with the launch of her latest collection, fall plus-size collection, and nonprofit. For more information, visit https://sylviamollie.com/about/.
LEATHERSEATS
LeatherSeats is the premier online retailer of custom leather automotive seat upholstery. With patterns available for over 8,000 vehicles in a wide range of colors and leather grades, they help customers achieve a custom look with a factory fit!