When you meet Kenya Freeman, JUKI Ambassador, owner and designer at Sylvia Mollie, and founder of I’m Sew Fantastic, you instantly feel her passion! It’s bright, it’s bold, and it’s stitched with purpose. Kenya isn’t just a designer; she’s a mentor, a leader, and someone who believes deeply in using her gift to give back. And that’s exactly what she’s doing this summer with her vibrant sewing camp for kids in Atlanta. Today, we’re going to share the story of how our ambassador made this summer camp come to life.
But this story didn’t start with a plan or a business proposal; it began with a prayer.
“I have always wanted to use my gift and give back,” Kenya says. “I would pray and ask God to show me the way. One day, many years ago, I was sewing in my two-bedroom apartment when I saw it. This vision. It was a sewing camp. It was colorful. It was called I’m Sew Fantastic. I cried. It came out of nowhere. But I knew in that moment I had purpose and an assignment.”
That vision lit a spark in Kenya, but turning a dream into reality takes more than just inspiration; it takes time, commitment, and a whole lot of heart. Starting a nonprofit wasn’t an overnight process; it took years of behind-the-scenes work. She had to secure nonprofit status, create a business plan, build a board, secure insurance, and, of course, find funding. However, Kenya was determined, and when the time came to launch her first sewing workshop, she was ready.
“Our first camp was amazing,” she recalls. “It was a lot of hard work. We put the word out on social media and reached out to companies to partner with us. God made a way. We had 15 kids sign up, all wanting to learn the art of sewing.”
Each morning began with something special: the Social Circle. Kenya and her staff gathered with the kids in a big group, and everyone shared why they were Sew Fantastic. They’d shout it out loud and post their answers on a big heart-shaped wall sign. It wasn’t just fun, it was intentional. Kenya wanted every child to feel great about themselves; to know they had value, and to build their self-esteem before they even touched a machine.
As the weeks went on, the kids learned to sew and create using their JUKI machines. Every day brought a new project, a new challenge, and new moments of joy. “They got better and better each week,” Kenya says with pride. “They created custom outfits, learned new skills, and gained confidence.”
And the last week? It was the grand finale! The students put on their own fashion show, walking the runway in their self-made designs, showing off the results of weeks of hard work and creativity. “It was magical,” Kenya describes.
The magic of the camp goes far beyond sewing. For Kenya, the most rewarding part is watching the kids grow, not just in skill, but in spirit. “The reaction on their faces when they’ve solved their own problem it’s priceless. The joy they bring, the excitement, the silly moments we share when the project is done… It’s heartwarming. It’s purpose driven.”
There have been so many unforgettable moments. Like the day the kids saw their brand-new, donated JUKI machines for the first time. The moment they received denim jackets to reconstruct and were bursting with excitement. The mini birthday parties, the spontaneous dance-offs, and the day they had five minutes in Goodwill to grab anything they wanted for an upcycling challenge. Kenya laughs thinking about it now. “The creativity was off the charts!”
Of course, running a kids’ sewing camp comes with its own set of lessons, and Kenya has learned a lot along the way. “Don’t do it alone,” she says. “You need a skilled team. Having support helps keep things organized and fun. Make sure you have a curriculum that’s easy to follow and engaging. With kids, if it’s too complicated or takes too long, they’ll lose interest.”
She also stresses the importance of planning. Start at least six months in advance, especially if you’re running a nonprofit. Find a location that’s safe and flexible for working parents. Fundraising is essential, and so is building a team that truly believes in the mission.
“Surround yourself with like-minded people who see the vision and are excited to help you bring it to life.”
When it comes to supplies, Kenya keeps it simple. She loves using woven cotton fabrics because they’re easier for kids to cut and sew. And of course, JUKI machines are her go-to. “For beginners, simpler machines are best,” she explains. “They’re reliable, easy to use, and help the kids build confidence quickly.”
If you’re dreaming of starting your own workshop or camp, Kenya’s advice is encouraging. Don’t overthink it. Just start. Reach out to suppliers for support. Look for volunteers who can commit to teaching. And above all, keep the energy fun and positive. “It’s about more than just sewing. It’s about building community, teaching life skills, and helping kids believe in themselves.”
And the fun’s not over yet.
This summer, I’m Sew Fantastic is back with a four-week Creative Sewing Camp for kids, running from June 23 through July 29 in Atlanta. It’s a chance for a new group of young creators to discover their talent, find their voice, and maybe even see their own spark of purpose light up along the way.
To sign up or learn more, visit www.imsewfantastic.org
With Kenya Freeman leading the way, this summer is shaping up to be nothing short of fantastic!
JUKI is a proud sponsor of Sew Fantastic!
sewinwithjuki.com 