BACKSTAGE PASS

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...