From hobby to business
Awarded the DwightHall/Yale Social Innovation Lab in 2018
catherine Cazes-Wiley
Long of a nomadic history, Catherine observed that the artisan economy, a $34 billion industry overseas, is rarely present in the US. An artisan herself and Milliner (hat maker), she encourages others through an holistic approach to step in, finding avenues to increase revenues and well-being. The non-profit has helped in the creation of five businesses. Here networking in Fair Haven, a distressed community.
Sophie Greer
Sophie Greer started her own alteration small business called “Sewing Place in New Haven “after taking Threads & Needles sewing workshops. A former Ford agency fashion model, the lady has style!
Sharon “Shay” Jones
Seamstress whose specialty is making one of the kind beautiful apron and bag, Crochet Master and Storyteller. She has lived through it all (homelessness, disability...). Her stories are of perseverance and kindness one after another. She started an alteration business serving people in her neighborhood.
John Wiley
Photography: his equipment was stolen at a young age and John having to work hard for a living had given up on his passion. We are encouraging him to start again. He is our beloved photographer. John works as a Behavior Technician at ACES schools.