BACKSTAGE PASS

One of the new dresses released this week Hi Friends, I just got back from a three-week break from the hustle of the city. I have to admit touching grass is so refreshing! I heard the birds chirping and kids...

Collaborating requires you to let go of control. I'm not mad about it. If we're being honest, work ethic is often driven by competition, comparison and pride. It's exhausting, and the end result of “success” is like a vapor that...

Can't stop thinking about a literal open door in New York City! I mentioned that all is well. I'm thankful for this, but there is no growth when you're comfortable. This week we took some steps! Our volunteers and myself personally...

Leigh wears the Reagan rib knit tank.  With our newest designs released online, I've been seeing a lot of praise for them on our Elegantees Insiders page on Facebook. It's been a highlight for me to see, that I want...

It's more than making clothing. Our leaders have a heart to help others thrive. I personally needed a refresher of our mission this week. I'm thankful for its power to motivate me to put in the work, rather than being...

Even though my designs have graced the runways, it's been far from glamorous. THE BEGINNING Twenty years ago I moved to New York City from rural Iowa. I was 18 years old on a one-way flight with a suitcase. This was...

“Seeing the joyful faces of the women who make my clothes in dignity and freedom is priceless. I've watched the company grow and pivot through the years to stay true to their mission and values even through immense challenges.”  –...

We sent Michele and her husband Mike to Nepal to spend time with our sisters at the sewing center. They also went as an act of faith to see doors open for our nonprofit vision.  As they leave Kathmandu today,...

Next project is to build a Restore Room This week I met with a few ladies who are interested in supporting Elegantees on the nonprofit side of things (when we get our 501c3 status, that is!). The conversations were interesting,...

Even if it's just one person to be freed from human trafficking and find total freedom, it's the work we're called to! When I reflect on the hurt going on in the world, I grieve because I feel completely helpless...

I feel very inspired by the photos on the homepage right now. As we look at the results of the shoot and the videos we'll be posting on social media here soon, we are so grateful for how it came...

One of our newest releases - Lavande in Cobalt Blue  I SEE FAVOR The more I ask God for help, the more things are provided for Elegantees. Our dresses sale is one thing because we were about to empty our...

Still smiling, even though the whole fashion industry is a hard one to be in. The fashion industry as a whole is a mess right now. Forever 21 is closing their doors, and leading luxury brands like Gucci are seeing...

Here I am with Michele. She's going on a special assignment! As we do this meaningful work to help women overcome, we know it's more than securing a safe and fair sewing job. It's about restoring hope in the makers...

In case you missed, it we launched new tees earlier this week. I've been learning to not idolize the times we were at the top of the mountain. There's many highs and lows in life, but can we detach our...

We typically rent a photo studio in this building of creative suites in Brooklyn. I want to get a lease for Elegantees here! If you've been following for a while, you may recall my desire for an office space for...

I'm loving my outfit (Begonia top and Layla skirt) Hope you've had a great week, and how is is already Friday?  Sharing my regular update on what's going on behind the scenes. I'm feeling persistent but modest at the same...

Rainbow Row in Charleston, SC. Our next destination shoot! Thanks for your words and prayers from my last Founder update. Someone pointed out that whenever I share hard things, there is a sense of hope and optimistic at the end...

A preview of our next collection A week ago something happened in my personal life that needed my attention. I was not able to be what I normally can for Elegantees. I FAILED  As the primary person who posts on...

The Elegantees Word of the Year for 2025 is collaborate.At first, I wasn't inspired by this, but things are quickly changing.  THE HOLISTIC DESIRE Our strength lately has been in stability at our sewing center, but job creation isn't the sole...