RESIDENCE: A REMADE INCUBATOR

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)

The fashion industry wields significant influence but often overlooks the voices of communities most affected by climate change and economic disparity. Despite 88% of fashion creatives being women, 66% of fashion directors are men, and while 61.8% of the fashion creative workforce is white, L.A.'s cut-and-sew industry is 87% Latino and 71% immigrants. Marginalized communities are often funneled into underpaid manual labor jobs, lacking resources and mentorship for creative career pathways. Our mission is critical—shaping the future of fashion by imparting knowledge to these communities. Without intervention, the same patterns of privilege will persist. Silvia, a team member, shares, "I never thought I'd be doing creative work, coming from the production side. My opinion didn't matter then, but now it does, and I love creating." Silvia's experience mirrors that of many; mentored young adults report a 70% increase in career preparedness after participating in our programs.

We're not just imparting knowledge; we're crafting the future of fashion. Our programs are meticulously designed to guide participants through the nuances of material reuse and manual skilled labor, equipping them with the expertise needed to thrive in a resource-constrained world. Our short-term goals include training fellows, equipping them with practical skills and professional experience across five critical teams: sorting floor, production, retail, thrift, and dyebath.
Sorting Floor: Fellows learn to evaluate and categorize donated items, maximizing material potential and reducing waste.
Production: Creativity meets craftsmanship as fellows transform sorted materials into innovative products, learning sewing, assembling, and upcycling techniques.
Retail: Fellows gain experience in customer service, sales, and visual merchandising, promoting sustainable consumer culture through storytelling.
Thrift: Fellows manage inventory, marketing, pricing, and curate diverse product ranges, championing circular fashion.
Dye bath: Specializing in textile dyeing and finishing with eco-friendly techniques, fellows add value and uniqueness to our products.
By rotating through these teams, fellows gain a holistic understanding of sustainable business operations, preparing them to be impactful contributors to the creative economy. We also aim to boost economic mobility through sustained employment opportunities and foster a community for collective learning and professional development.

Our long-term goal is to expand the program annually, including more participants to drive systemic changes in the creative economy. We aim to promote sustainable and equitable business practices, fostering an ecosystem where creative talent thrives. This transformative impact will position Los Angeles as a hub of creativity and sustainability. The program seeks to drive structural reforms that benefit future generations and adapt to sector demands. With this funding, we will empower fellows over one year, enhancing their skills and professional networks. Our goal is for the program to catalyze structural reforms, fostering equitable and sustainable practices. By achieving this, we envision a Los Angeles where creativity and sustainability are intertwined, offering generational opportunities and a robust framework adaptable to future needs. Join us on this visionary path where innovation meets sustainability, creating a brighter future together.

Participant feedback on personal growth and skill development will provide essential qualitative data. Number of participants transitioning into industry roles, the number of innovative projects completed, and public engagement metrics from our showcase events.
Regular evaluations will involve participant feedback, mentorship assessments, and performance metrics to ensure the program’s success and impact. Success will be defined by tangible growth in fellows' skills, network expansion, and their ability to secure sustained opportunities within the creative economy. We will conduct regular evaluations including participant feedback surveys, mentorship assessments, and performance metrics.
Pre-launch needs assessments have tailored the curriculum effectively, and ongoing evaluations will ensure the program adapts for continuous improvement. We aim for an 85% retention rate.

SUAY will serve as the cornerstone of The Repair Lab, bringing its extensive expertise in sustainable practices and community engagement to the forefront. As a pioneering organization in textile recycling, SUAY will lead the charge in developing innovative curriculum centered on fabric repair and upcycling. Their dedicated team will facilitate hands-on workshops, mentoring participants in the art of mending and creative reuse. Moreover, SUAY will collaborate closely with local artisans and educational partners to create a vibrant, inclusive learning environment that empowers individuals to embrace sustainability in their everyday lives.