As a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, we empower Black creatives to excel in the fashion industry by providing resources, mentorship, and professional and educational opportunities.

Our goal is to close the disparity gap and dismantle systemic barriers to entry, fostering a more equitable future for Black talent, both within our organization and the broader community.

  1. Resources: We provide essential resources such as sewing machines, sewing kits, and fabric to participants who need them, along with access to fashion education courses, and collaborative group projects designed to enhance their skills and knowledge.

  1. Mentorship: We pair students with fashion industry professionals for guidance, support, and industry insights. Students will collaborate with their mentors on weekly assignments designed to explore their goals, enabling mentors to provide personalized support to help achieve them.

  2. Professional & Educational Opportunities: We host virtual events—such as workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking opportunities—open to both our students and the public. Students also have access to exclusive volunteer and internship opportunities. Public participants are welcome to join our events with a minimum donation of $25, and additional contributions are greatly appreciated.

Program Overview

Spring/Fall 2026 Cohort

  • Schedule: Saturday & Sunday (choose between 9 AM–11 AM EST or 12 PM–2 PM EST)

    Foundational Courses

    • Intro to Fashion History: Learn about the rich contributions of Black creatives to the fashion industry, explore major movements, and understand how Black culture and innovation have shaped the fashion world today.

    • Industry Basics & Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the fashion industry operates, from key roles and career paths to the fundamentals of sustainable practices and the business of fashion. Explore how fashion brands are built, the importance of ethical production, and strategies for navigating this ever-evolving industry as an aspiring professional.

    Technical Skills Development

    • Sewing Techniques: Learn hand-sewing and machine-sewing fundamentals, from simple stitches to advanced techniques.

    • Design Techniques: Discover the process of creating original designs, focusing on sketching, mood boards, and visual storytelling.

    • Pattern Making: Understand the art of drafting patterns, making adjustments, and creating custom pieces from scratch.

    • Schedule: Sundays (choose between 9 AM–11 AM EST or 12 PM–2 PM EST)

    • Students will be assigned a fashion-related group project, where they’ll collaborate with peers under the guidance of a program alum. This will help them develop teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

  • Schedule: Weekly one-on-one sessions will be scheduled for up to one hour, based on the mutual availability of both the mentor and student.

    Students will work closely with their assigned mentors to hone their skills, reach specific goals, and gain personalized guidance throughout the program. A targeted development plan will be created to guide progress.

    • Workshops: A series of workshops led by industry professionals will provide hands-on insights into the fashion industry, covering a range of topics such as career development, business strategies, and sustainable fashion.

    • Expert Talks: Students will have the opportunity to meet and learn from seasoned fashion leaders, gaining valuable perspectives and advice from those with real-world experience.

    • Networking Mixers: Students will engage with fashion industry professionals and program alumni, building a network that will support their career development.

    • Graduation Ceremony: The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on August 30, 2026.

Meet our Founder

Briana Burton
Founder & Project Director LinkedIn

Featured In: Voyage ATL & Shoutout Atlanta

Briana Burton, a Temple University graduate with a BA in Strategic Communications, has over a decade of experience in youth engagement through nonprofit organizations and schools. Founded in 2019, Briana established Hems & Brims to break down the systemic barriers preventing Black creatives from entering the fashion industry.

Our mission goes beyond visibility; we focus on cultivating sustainable careers by connecting students with experienced fashion industry professionals who help them develop their skills, build meaningful networks, and shape their legacies in the fashion world.

By elevating and celebrating the rich legacy of Black contributions to the fashion industry, Hems & Brims aims to pave pathways for the next generation of Black creatives to not only enter but transform the industry for years to come.

As the Founder & Project Director of Hems & Brims, Briana is committed to expanding opportunities for Black creatives both inside and outside the core program. In addition to her work with Hems & Brims, Briana is a Sewing Instructor for both youth and adults in Atlanta, Georgia.

Meet our Team

Samantha Little
Fashion Education and Digital Content Intern

LinkedIn

Samantha Little is the Fashion Education and Digital Content Intern for Hems & Brims. She is in her final semester at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she is studying Fashion Design and building a strong foundation in fashion research and design principles, pattern drafting, technical design, sewing, and draping techniques.

At Hems & Brims, Samantha looks forward to applying her fashion knowledge to develop valuable educational resources, contribute to impactful content, and collaborate with a dedicated team to empower Black creatives in the fashion industry.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring online courses for personal development, traveling to learn about new cultures and fashion trends, and spending quality time with her family. She is excited to bring her skills, dedication, and creativity to Hems & Brims and make a meaningful impact.

Join an Info Session!

Our info sessions are specifically for educators and nonprofit leaders or staff who are interested in learning more about Hems & Brims.

During the session, we will review the program schedule and overview, explain how our Spring/Fall 2026 Cohort can support your students, and explore potential partnership opportunities with you.

If you’d like to join, please complete the interest form and we’ll send you the Zoom link once you’ve registered.

If you're not able to attend any of the info sessions, please send us an email to request a recording.

Program Timeline

2019-2026