PR for People Monthly July 2017 | Page 12

seen students graduate from fashion school only to face the grim reality of the job market. “Jobs for Fashion Designers are not listed on jobs news boards,” she said. “The only way to become a designer is often through family and personal connections.” For students who had spent seventy thousand dollars, and often by taking out student loans, getting employment was not only desirable but critical for survival. Through the Step-It-Up Camp, students of all ages can learn how to sew without having to go into debt.

Under Monir’s direction Step-It-Up Camp is partnering with businesses and learning centers of all sizes to teach sewing skills throughout the Northwest region. There are no limits to how large her program can grow. Quality Sewing has already donated twenty portable sewing machines so they can be transported to each work site. She has partnered with a school in Bothell to teach a thirty-six week course. Monir envisions the expansion of Step-It-Up Camp to include summer and after school programs and the implementation of DSHS programs to teach sewing to people who are receiving public assistance. The reality of having sewing skills means a person can work anywhere from a dry-cleaners to a large apparel retailer like Nordstrom’s.

Some of Monir’s students take on freelance sewing projects by posting neighborhood flyers. Monir tells the story of one student who almost dropped out of school because she could not afford to work, take care of her daughter, and at the same time keep up with the cost of books and tuition. Monir took the young woman under her wing and taught her to sew. The young woman posted flyers on bulletin boards at school and in her apartment building. Soon she was taking on alterations projects and earning over a $100 a day. By teaching people to sew Monir is giving them a set of skills for life. As long as people can sew, they can take on as many alterations projects as they can handle. In a job market where jobs are taking on new shapes or being eliminated altogether, learning an old fashion life skill like sewing can make ends meet, or keep all the seams together! No pun intended!

Learn to Sew!

Have you ever thought of learning how to sew? Monir Zandghoreishi will teach you in a way that is perfectly seamless in approach. No pun intended! If you are interested in joining one of her regularly scheduled classes or of implementing a sewing program in your school or organization, please get in touch with Monir she would be happy to hear from you! Contact Monir [email protected]

- Donations of sewing machines

- Donations sewing materials

- Donations of classroom and office space

- Donations for scholarships

Monir’s Wish List!