BACKSTAGE PASS

On my flight home from Austin, I pulled out a pen and paper. I started writing the names of women who consistently purchased Elegantees. Their support was all I had now. Could our existing community have a greater impact than...

It's been a decade, and I've never been to Nepal! This surprises everyone because I'm a social impact entrepreneur. How is it that I've never once stepped foot in the factory I've worked so hard to help expand? Well, the time is coming because I have flights booked!

Ever since I started Elegantees, reading books became hard for me to do. It then felt impossible when I became a mom. Today though, I am “reading” a lot, thanks to the technology of podcasts and audio books. I can make my ears open to listen even if my hands and eyes are unavailable.

We've got new tees that were made in India! This is our first project through a new partnership. We named the tees asha because the word translates to hope in Nepal and India.    The Asha tees are impactful because they rescue and transform lives in...

Our fashion show is coming up. I still can't believe that Elegantees will be seen during New York Fashion Week! Partnering with IJM in this has been inspiring for sure. This organization rescues many that are trapped in human trafficking...

I could keep doing what I'm doing to maintain a medium-size business. Or, I can delegate out and see the sewing center in Nepal packed to max capacity. The week has been full of vision. 

Growing an in-person team in the world's fashion capital feels like a big step in my dream. I am compelled to make the Garment District my mission field too. Many people here are poor in spirit. 

We're in Brooklyn, New York, and producing a video with the largest anti-trafficking organization: International Justice Mission. Did I mention that this is for New York Fashion Week? Somebody pinch me!

Creating graphic tees in high quality fabric has been a desire, but we faced setbacks for it in Nepal. Then I learned more about how graphic tees are a specialty with our friends at Goex. It made me wonder about it more....

While wearing sleeveless dresses to beat the heat, my thoughts are on long sleeve tops and cardigans. That means most of our fall collection is already ready to be photographed! It feels great to have a handful of shoots scheduled in these upcoming weeks.

I've been processing this and wanted to see if the chain has truly been broken. When I think of the women on the waiting list, I now think of how much they are cherished. I did not think this way before. Yes, I'd be thrilled for them to sew Elegantees, but I trust that God provides for and protects them in the present.

My husband, Israel, has been involved in various way in Elegantees. All this time, he's wondered why we often leave men out of the mission. He may be the connection between my production expertise and igniting the fire of a man's soul to fight trafficking, protect the innocent, and restore lives.

They had a layover at JFK airport. Knowing that I live in New York City, they invited me to pop over. I loved hearing Saji's founder story. His organization provides safe homes for human trafficking survivors, trade schools for equipping people, and they've built orphanages and schools.

Namra was born during an era when I was still making patterns and sewing samples in my kitchen. I still remember when I made the first Namra tank. I laid the fabric on the floor to cut out the pieces, while my first born child was an infant and taking a nap.

We're presenting during New York Fashion Week! This week has been full of awe. When I was an 18-year-old intern, new to New York City, I ran an errand to a trade show at the Metropolitan Pavilion downtown on 18th...

  I should have gone out of business many times. But, miracles!Right after paying the tax bill, I realized an immediate need of $30,000 by end of this month. I'd need a strategy. Our warehouse queen happened to suggest a...

I'll admit I've been sleeping in late these days, which is funny because I was born and raised on a farm. During this season, I'm a stay at home mom to the cutest and most curious 9 month old girl,...

The new dresses will have a special hang tag autographed by each sewer. There have been many times that I've considered closing out all inventory, eating the loss, and going back to work in the fashion industry. However, my faith in Jesus,...

Elegantees is starting to sew a few of our designs with women rescued from trafficking that are in the New York City area. So far, I've been given three women to teach a sewing class through the hands of a...

When I was living back at home in Iowa, I had a very large space to do design work in. Compared now to Manhattan, space is now much smaller and rent is higher....but, it's so worth it to us! We...