What Started as a Story Gifting Project Just Crossed 700 Submissions—And What Comes Next

When I introduced the story submission form on my website last month, I hoped a few individuals would share their experiences so I could offer them a custom, handmade corset top made from upcycled textiles.

I never anticipated that nearly 700 of you would open your hearts, share your personal milestones, and trust me with your stories.

Going through these entries has been humbling, emotional, and profoundly grounding. Each submission serves as a reminder that garments are more than just fabric, boning, and ribbon—they represent armor, memory, and self-expression. Working at my sewing machine to transform thrifted tapestries, placemats, and placemat-pearl trims into pieces meant to honor real people has changed how I perceive my role as a designer.

Where We Go From Here: Turning a Movement into a Nonprofit

This experience made something crystal clear: gifting these handmade pieces cannot be a one-off project. It has touched a nerve and tapped into a community need that goes far beyond a single promotional run.

I am currently brainstorming ways to permanently integrate this initiative into my brand structure—and eventually build it into a dedicated nonprofit organization.

The vision is simple:

• Textile Upcycling Meets Direct Impact: Transform donated, vintage, and post-consumer textiles into bespoke, empowering garments for individuals navigating major life transitions, feeling invisible, not good enough, or just simply need a pick-me-up to feel seen and known.

• Community-Funded Gifting: Use a portion of every commercial collection launch to fund the creation and gifting of custom pieces to nominees selected by the community.

• Storytelling & Advocacy: Provide a platform that centers real human stories alongside slow, sustainable fashion.

The Countdown: Locking In for New York Fashion Week

As this project expands, the clock is ticking on another massive dream. We have officially reached my last month before I have to completely lock in and focus on designing for my debut show at New York Fashion Week with Runway 7 at Sony Hall.  

To prepare for the big stage, I’m spending these next few weeks testing design ideas and developing a Prelude Collection.

Think of this prelude as a real-time studio laboratory. I'll be taking the structural concepts, drape ideas, and color scheme—from delicate glittery tulle to satin, lace and romantic sheer fabric—and testing how they move, wear, and tell a cohesive story.

How You Can Follow Along

1. Read & Share Stories: Keep an eye out on my social channels as I continue to highlight selected nominees and showcase their finished custom corsets.

2. Watch the Prelude Build: I’ll be documenting the experimental design process, sampling, and dress production on YouTube as I test ideas for the NYFW runway. Revealing the prelude end of September, early October.

3. Join the Conversation: Leave a comment below—how would you like to see this gifting initiative grow as we lay the groundwork for a nonprofit?

Thank you for sharing your stories, your encouragement, and your trust. Let’s make this next chapter extraordinary.