Sew & So...

(2:28) Maritza shares the beginnings of her sewing learnings and her journey of improvement. She takes us through her progression in costume creation and how she was affected by the events of 9/11. She even “almost” had an opportunity to meet Mikhail Baryshnikov.

(15:21) She grew up in a circus family and gives us a first-hand account of what it was like. She also shares some of the superstitions held by circus performers.

Also, circus “hand balancers” once looked down upon are now held in really high regard. She explains how this happened.

(18:13) At 13 she started performing with the circus as an aerialist. How do people learn to do this? She explains!

(20:38) Celebrating her 10th year with Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus, Maritza shares how she connected with them and became a part of this phenomenal institution. 

(31:18) Maritza mentors student sewists in the costuming department for Gamma Phi. She tells us about the early stages of her involvement and how she grew this program and enhanced the sewist’s skills.

(34:30) There are many hidden secrets in circus costumes. The average person in the audience never sees or knows about there, but Maritza gives us the super scoop! You’ll be on the inside and never look at these costumes the same again!

(36:18) Special stories about behind the scenes? Hear them right here. (And that little Chihuahua – yep…that’s her in the background!)

(39:43) Over her 10-year tenure with Gamma Phi the student participation has more than doubled. She tells us about this.

(40:30) What’s her dream? Hear it here! She also talked about how some of her students have pursued their dreams.

(45:00) Want to reach out to Maritza? You can at [email protected]. And don’t forget how hard these kids work juggling all they do!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

(2:25) Abby shares why she initially didn’t like sewing when she took her first course in high school. But reading Vogue magazine turned this around for her as she wanted the fashion she saw in the magazine – but couldn’t afford. She also talks about how her children were the genesis of her learning to sew for uniquely sized people.

And she talks about how her unique talent for doing what “just made sense” helped her get through tough sewing situations.

(5:48) Listen as Abby shares what it is about sewing that means so much to her.

(7:44) She is a wizard at creating tips and tricks for sewing. She shares just a few of them here.

(10:43) Abby founded Kandi Corp in 2001 by identifying the need for DIY hot fix crystals. She shares the story of founding this company and, how it all started with her own cancer diagnosis. 

(15:520 After selling Kandi Corp, Abby saw the need to create better lighting for sewists, so she founded ViviLux Lighting. Hear how she identified the need for these products and how she and her husband Dave founded and grew the company!

(20:49) What’s it like to work with her husband? Easy and hard at the same time…hear why!

(23:28) Abby tells us how she named her products ViviLux. Then she explains her unique technique for identifying the need for and developing new products.

(25:25) Abby introduces us to the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, their charter and how they help each other.

(29:43) She tells us about her love of “snoop shopping” and how this serves as her inspiration.

(31:30) What’s her dream? Going to Japan has long been a burning desire for her to visit to learn their ancient sewing techniques.

(32:50) Abby shares the story about her own personal battle with cancer and gives some very wise and pointed health advice for all of us.

(33:35) Abby gives great credit to her husband to her husband for all she’s accomplished.

(34:41) To reach Abby you can email her at [email protected] and be sure to put PODCAST in the subject line.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Show Notes: Mary Grabenstatter

(1:40) Mary shares her story about why arts and crafts were important to her as a child. Hear about the origami birthday party and her favorite crafts!

(3:20) Studying French and Film in college and working at Barnes & Noble her early adult years were filled with many experiences…starting with being a chemistry major. Hear about her adventures!

(7:07) When The Hunger Games was first released, Jennifer Lawrence came to the bookstore. Hear how this event closed the whole store down!

(7:50) At the age of 32, Mary learned to sew…she tells us how and why! And lovingly shares this special connection with her mom.

(11:15) Within a two-year timeframe, Mary realized she loved sewing, quit her job in New York, started Needle Sharp…and learned her mom had cancer…so she moved back home. Learn also how Needle Sharp got its name – and why it caused her some unforeseen challenges.

(14:05) She talks about the blind courage she found to move forward.

(16:28) Mary shares her process for providing a subscription service for her company Needle Sharp 

(18:20) What’s it like to run into someone wearing one of her creations? She shares the excitement!

(19:09) How have the last 10 years been the most challenging and rewarding in her life? She takes us on this journey.

(20:12) Mary talks about her mom and how she was inspired by her and how she honors her legacy.

(22:25) What words of advice does Mary have for beginning sewists? “Have a beginner’s mind.

(22:34) What’s next, what’s her dream? And will she ever design her own fabric?

(25:36) And…what didn’t I ask that she wanted to share? Hear about her favorite book Caesar’s Last Breadth by Sam Kean

(27:25) To contact Mary go to her website at needle-sharp.com and on Instagram @needlehsharp.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

R'Bonney Gabriel is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor based in Houston, TX, and New York City who also happens to be the current Miss Universe titleholder. Born in Houston, TX she became the 1st Miss Universe of Filipino descent. As the first Filipino American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, much of her platform is about embracing her culture. She is a voice for Asian-Americans, opening the door for more diversity and representation in society. 

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She attended the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Fashion Design and Fibers. 

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R'Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using "Fashion as a force for good" through sustainability and community impact. She combines her latent for design with caring for the environment in her own sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola.

(1:46) R’Bonney tells us how she learned to sew by watching her mom and shopping at thrift stores. R’Bonney tells of one of her favorite projects – the big purple gown with puffy sleeves…a Halloween costume.

(3:35) She tells us how important the sewist community is to her and why.

(5:10) She’s always upbeat and positive…she lets us in on her youth, parent’s influence and how sports, music, church, and ballet influenced her outlook.

(7:39) Travel is a big part of her current life as Miss Universe. She tells us what it’s like to be Miss Universe!

(10:57) R’Bonney takes us back to the beginning and on her journey to becoming Miss Universe.

(16:00) She talks about how she became passionate about sustainable fashion.

And the documentary ”A True Cost” which opened her eyes to clothing consumption worldwide.

(17:50) Magpie and Peacocks name – a truly unique identifier – has an interesting story which R’Bonney shares with us.

(18:45) She explains ethical sewing practices and sustainable fashion as she exemplified with her Miss Universe Cape. She also explains how we as individuals can support sustainable fashion.

(23:09) The MAKR Program with Magpies and Peacocks is very important to R’Bonney. She tells us about this effort and why it means so much to her.

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

(25:04) She tells us a story of one of the women who went through the MAKR Program and how it changed her life.

(27:10) She talks about being the first Filipina-American to hold the Miss Universe title and how she leverages this position for the advancement of Asian Americans.

(28:40) If Not Now When if her motto – she tells us why and what it means to her.

(30:40) What’s next for her after Miss Universe?! Listen and find out!

(31:11) Is there a question we didn’t ask?!

To reach out to R’Bonney, you can find her at Instagram @rbonneynola, or the email connected to the Instagram account. 

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

(2:39) The opening ceremonies raised the excitement of the crowd – kicked off by Paul Ashworth – President of BERNINA of North America. (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-22-paul-ashworth)

He was followed by several more BERNINA luminaries…Christy Burcham - VP Training and Education BERNINA of America, Claudia Stauber – VP Marketing BERNINA International, and Kai Hillebrandt – CEO BERNINA Textile Group. 

(5:12) Then Yaya Han (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode64-courage-cosplay-yaya-han) namesake of the new bernette 79 Yaya Han edition took the stage.

(8:42) Hear the first impressions of those who tried out the brand-new BERNINA 790 Pro

(10:18) Claudia Stauber, VP/Marketing BERNINA International joins us to explain the new BERNINA campaign “It’s a Big Day”. In addition, we got to know her a little better!

(15:04) Annette Varner, Brand Manager of BERNINA International, added her input to the work of building this new campaign.

(17:07) Michaelynn Rose, VP/Marketing BERNINA of America, jumps in to talk about BERNINA’s new products.

(18:04) Some of our favorite Sew & So moments are to catch up with past guests on this podcast. We talked with Sarah Caldwell (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode31-sarah-caldwell-from-frogs-to-frodo), Sarah Joiner (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode54-sarah-joiner), Sue from Sookie Sews (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode50-sue-overy-pruitt) and Sylvain Bergeron (https://weallsew.com/author/snbergeron/) who will join us on a future episode

(25:10) The cosplay market is a new focus for BERNINA in the coming year. Carolyn Kinder Brand Manager for bernette tells us how this came to be and how Yaya Han became the name/face of this project. She also talks about the importance of this community.

(28:40) Then Yaya Hahn herself joined us to talk about her love of sewing, how the dream of working with BERNINA began and how it resulted in the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition.

(35:34) We got to visit with three companies who are partners to BERNINA and who each provide quality products that make sewists’ jobs easier. Horn of America (https://www.hornofamerica.com/), OESD (https://embroideryonline.com/oesd/) and Fat Quarter (https://www.fatquarter.com) 

(39:04) Bob Negan, a popular retail expert known as one of the most innovative consultants, speakers, and trainers today, sat with us to talk about the courses he teaches to BERNINA Dealers during BERNINA University (https://whizbangtraining.com/).

(41:15) As the event progressed, we got to visit with even more past Sew & So guests, Joe Vecchiarelli (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-28-joe-vecchiarelli), Marissa Marquez (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-26-marisa-marquez), Gail Yellen (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-14-gail-yellen) and Pam Mahshie (https://www.sewandsopodcast.com/episodes/episode-9-pam-mahshie)

(49:33) Dealers came to Dallas from around the world because of the importance of this event. Thomas and Chris from Switzerland joined us to talk about their establishments.

(50:45) Phillip Ueltschi of the Ueltschi family who owns BERNINA, talked with us about what’s new with his family and BERNINA and BERNINA University.

(52:47) Christy Burcham – VP Education and Training at BERNINA of America ran down all the new products.

(53:29) After 4 long days, Phillip Ueltschi brought it all home at the closing ceremony. He talks about the family feeling that BERNINA brings to their dealers and customers…and introduced his son Felix – the 6th generation. 

Thank you for joining us for stories of innovation, risk taking and meeting new friends at this year’s BERNINA University 2023!

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Born in China, raised in her early years in Germany, Yaya moved on her own to the United States in 1998 while still a teen. It didn’t take her long to make a name for herself in the cosplay community. Now a successful designer, model, author, tv personality and social media influencer with more that 3 million followers.

(2:24) Yaya tells us of how she learned to sew out of necessity through getting involved in cosplay 24 years ago. Using a $40 sewing machine she prepared to go to her very first expo the 1999 Anime Expo in Anaheim, CA. She literally started with almost nothing.

(5:35) What’s her fashion style? It varies from very feminine to Korean inspired streetwear. She goes into detail on this with us.

(6:21) What sparked her interest in Anime and Manga…escapism! Learn what started all of this. 

(7:39)  She moved to the United States much to the dismay of her parents. She takes us with her on this journey with her. In 2005 she quit her “day job” and became a costume artist full time.

(12:06) She persevered through some pretty tough times – sewing was what got her through this. She shares how she found her strength.

(13:16) Her love for the cosplay community is notable. She describes this community, shares why it’s so very important to her and explains her personal growth within the community.

(18:09) DragonCon in Atlanta is a huge expo for those in the cosplay community. It’s especially important to Yaya as she met her husband Brian there 23 years ago. Today they are business partners and live the dream together.

(21:16) Find out who is her favorite cosplay character.

(22:13) How did she build a 3 million + community of followers – she shares her secrets.

(26:17) Having met thousands of fans – Yaya is always energized by these engagements. How important is this to her? She lets us know and even shares a specific instance at ACon.

(29:00) BERNINA University’s new campaign is “It’s a Big Day”. Yaya walks us through her relationship with BERNINA, her role in this campaign and how she worked with them to create the bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition. She also describes all the amazing features of this machine and why it’s perfect for cosplayers.

(41:21) Yaya has a new book on the market called Yaya Han’s World of Cosplay. She tells us of the genesis of this work which is the history of cosplay told through her story and all it contains on tips and tricks on how to be a professional cosplayer.

(44:30) Learn in the midst of her busy schedule, what Yaya does for fun.

(45:43) What inspires Yaya? “Everything”! She unpacks this for us.

(45:28) What’s next and what’s her dream? Besides “living it right now”, she shares what the future looks like for her.

(48:20) Her final point is asking the sewing community to embrace cosplay. There are misconceptions out there about this community which she addresses. In fact, she explains how in many ways we are all cosplayers, just in different spaces.

To reach out to Yaya, go to her website Yayahan.com, Instagram as #Yayahan and Facebook is Yayacosplay. She invites all to reach out!

Be sure to subscribe to, rate and review this podcast on your favorite platform!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Cookie Washington, born in Morocco, is a fourth-generation needle worker, award winning textile artist and guest curator of the African American Fiber Arts Exhibit which is part of the North Charleston Arts Festival.

Her passion for fiber art is infectious and she comes from a long line of sewists dating back to her great-grandmother.

She’s been selected as one of 44 master quilters to create a quilt for Barak Obama’s inauguration and has been featured in documentary films.

(2:28) At four years old, Cookie was paid 50 cents by her grandfather for sewing her first Barbie dress - she shares this story. In addition, she talks about the female lineage in her family that inspired, mentored, and encouraged her sewing. She also talks of her sewing plans for her three granddaughters. 

(7:00) Then, Cookie transitioned to fabric art during a difficult time in her life - she shares this story.  A Communion of Sprits; African American Quilters, Preservers, and Their Stories by Roland Freeman created a tipping point in her creativity and she opens up about how this happened.

(10:46) Cookie talks about her personal connection to the attack at Mother Emanuel Church and how she used her quilts to help heal the city. Her art to her is a meditative prayer. 

(13:21) What’s the Divine Feminine and what does it mean to her? She shares the meaning of this and how it led to her work with mermaids.

(16:15) Cookie does a lot of curatorial art to foster introspection, communication and provide education. She walks us through her process for this, and how we can celebrate our sameness and be inquisitive about our differences. She shares stories about her work “A Dialog in Black and White” and how she believes her ministry is to bring people together.

(10:25) “I want to make art that challenges people to feel. Art that makes them soar and annoys.” Cookie explains how this drives her creations. She also talks about Henrietta Lacks and “The Immortal Cell” and the art she created to celebrate this amazing woman. She also talks about how she artistically captures the physicality of Serena and Venus Williams, and Simone Biles in her work.

(32:58) In addition to her work, she donates her time and talent to serve in many ways which she tells us about. She also shares news about her current project “Quilted Hugs”.

(39:20) Cookie believes that there is a shift in the art community and sewing that is moving from utilitarian out of necessity to art that celebrates. She explains her position on this shift invoking Bisa Butler and Michelangelo!

(46:00) Right before the podcast was recorded, Cookie had the “Best Weekend Ever” in her curating the exhibit “Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to America”. This is a wonderful story here about the genesis of this exhibit of 150 pieces and the effect is had on the art community. She talks of the contributions of Dr. Lauren Davis and Dr. Henry Drewal to this event. The event exceeded her expectations and dreams!

(56:47) What’s her dream?   To keep encouraging people to quilt. She will move forward with this at The Kindred Spirits Conference. She also has a show coming up in November where she’ll display her Quilted Hug project. She wants to learn the longarm too!

(59: 43) What didn’t I ask? About her granddaughters!!!!

(1:00:33) To reach out to Cookie email her at [email protected] and her website www.cookiesewsquilts.com. And Instagram @cookiwsews. 

(1:01:54) Oh, and by the way, how did we find Cookie for Sew & So? Learn that here!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

(10:46) Cookie talks about her personal connection to the attack at Mother Emanuel Church and how she used her quilts to help heal the city. Her art to her is a meditative prayer. 

(13:21) What’s the Divine Feminine and what does it mean to her? She shares the meaning of this and how it led to her work with mermaids.

(16:15) Cookie does a lot of curatorial art to foster introspection, communication and provide education. She walks us through her process for this, and how we can celebrate our sameness and be inquisitive about our differences. She shares stories about her work “A Dialog in Black and White” and how she believes her ministry is to bring people together.

(10:25) “I want to make art that challenges people to feel. Art that makes them soar and annoys.” Cookie explains how this drives her creations. She also talks about Henrietta Lacks and “The Immortal Cell” and the art she created to celebrate this amazing woman. She also talks about how she artistically captures the physicality of Serena and Venus Williams, and Simone Biles in her work.

(32:58) In addition to her work, she donates her time and talent to serve in many ways which she tells us about. She also shares news about her current project “Quilted Hugs”.

(39:20) Cookie believes that there is a shift in the art community and sewing that is moving from utilitarian out of necessity to art that celebrates. She explains her position on this shift invoking Bisa Butler and Michelangelo!

(46:00) Right before the podcast was recorded, Cookie had the “Best Weekend Ever” in her curating the exhibit “Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to America”. This is a wonderful story here about the genesis of this exhibit of 150 pieces and the effect is had on the art community. She talks of the contributions of Dr. Lauren Davis and Dr. Henry Drewal to this event. The event exceeded her expectations and dreams!

(56:47) What’s her dream?   To keep encouraging people to quilt. She will move forward with this at The Kindred Spirits Conference. She also has a show coming up in November where she’ll display her Quilted Hug project. She wants to learn the longarm too!

(59: 43) What didn’t I ask? About her granddaughters!!!!

(1:00:33) To reach out to Cookie email her at [email protected] and her website www.cookiesewsquilts.com. And Instagram @cookiwsews. 

(1:01:54) Oh, and by the way, how did we find Cookie for Sew & So? Learn that here!

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Amanda Carye, the owner of Broadcloth Studio and the co-host of Quilt Buzz has been quilting “since forever”. On this episode she shares her journey outside her comfort zone and shares her adventures in starting both her business and podcast

Show Notes

Amanda Carye, who owns Broadcloth Studio and hosts the Quilt Buzz Podcast has been quilting for her whole life. From Boston, she currently lives in New York City.

(1:30) Amanda tells all about learning to sew, and how her grandmother taught her to hand sew.

(3:09) What is it about quilting that keeps her coming back to this craft? She explains how sewing always seems to take precedence over all other crafts. It had something to do with puzzles and meditation!

(6:10) Amanda takes us through her journey of the “unexpected upside” of her business. It was the overall community of quilters that made a major difference in how she saw her work.

(9:02) In 2020 social media became a lifeline for many, but Amanda was way ahead of the curve…so what did she do? She started her Quilt Buzz podcast!

(10:00) What’s the hardest thing Amanda does? Find out here.

(11:24) Life balance is paramount for her – learn how she does this while doing so much.

(14:11) How did she name her company? She shares this story. Then learn about her podcast Quilt Buzz!

(18:10) Amanda talks in depth about her new book, what inspired her to write it and her goals for her readers.

(23:57) What excites Amanda about her days? Hear that here! And what’s next for her? She let’s us in on her “going off road”!

Want to contact Amanda? You can reach her at @broadclothstudio and Broadclothclothstudio.com

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

(2:30) Alex takes us back to the beginning of her sewing journey and tells us of the first thing she ever sewed!

(4:47) Alex takes back to her very first quilt studio and tells us of the moment she began to take herself seriously as a quilter. The “Quilt Life” (7:25) became a mantra for her as she found that she really belonged…Alex explains how this happens and what this means to her. What is “The Quilt Life”? She tells us!

(9:34) Over the years her favorite things about quilting have changed. Owning a BERNINA was a key part of this…so is the quilting community. (11:13) She shares the story about the business she had with her dad.

(13:08) Alex has an intense appreciation for quilts and quilt design. She tells the story of Lucy Hilti and the influence she had on this love.

(17:00) Alex describes her work and her brand.

(18:17) Alex and Ricky Tims the power duo behind thequiltshow.com…how did they meet – Alex tells us this story along with what it’s like to work with him and the genesis of streaming for them.

(25:19) “Every guest will bring you a gift…you just don’t know what it is.” Alex tells us about what this means to her shows and which episode is her favorite and why.

(28:49) A recent cancer survivor, a third generation in her family to have cancer, shares her story or fear, courage, and the unknowing journey through her health challenges. She shares her words of encouragement for those travelling the same journey.

What inspires her (37:52) she tells us! And what she’s doing now to reignite her creativity. (39:55) What’s next…what’s her dream? If she were to write her personal script…it wouldn’t have been written the way her life went.

Want to reach out to Alex? Write to her at [email protected].

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.

Jedimanda is a professional seamstress, author and avid costumer. She’s been features in numerous publications, won awards for her costuming, and loves travel as much as she loves cosplay.

At (1:54) she tells us why C2E2 Chicago is her vary favorite convention…and shares the story of how she learned to sew…and how this led to her first job in college. She takes us through her Senior thesis project and how she made things work to her liking.

(5:34) Jedimanda provides a detailed description of the costume she wore during our interview and how she took this idea from imagination to reality.

(6:42) How did she discover and get into cosplay? She shares her journey. And how many costumes has she made…listen to find out.

(10:12) Convention competitions are a part of every event – she walks us through the specifics of how these work. And opens up about how it feels for her when she participates in one., also talking of how special she feels to interact with other participants.

(14:47) Why does she attend conventions? Her friends play a big part in this for her.

(16:09) After college, Jedimanda worked for the Louisville Ballet, her love and appreciation for theatre grew exponentially during this time. Hear how this shaped her future.

(17:34) She has a deep love and works with SheProp! – a female centered; non-binary LGBTQ centered Facebook Group founded by her good friend Beverly Downing. Jedimanda talks about this group, their work and why it’s important to her.

(21:00) How did she choose the name Jedimanda? She tells us the story. And what’s her brand? At (21:59) she tells us.

(23:03) Her brand-new book – her second- “Level-Up Creative Cosplay” recently launched. Hear the myriad topics she covers in this terrific new venture.

(25:20) Her 9 to 5 is leading marketing at the Speed Museum in Louisville, KY. Jedimanda calls this her dream job…learn how cosplay was instrumental in her landing this position. Also, learn who she calls her favorite artist.

(28:37) What inspires her and what does the cosplay community mean to her? She lets us in on this!

(32:32) What’s next for her in her competitions and the possible road to the world event in Barcelona? She will take us along with her on that road. Her dream? To be interested, open, and humble.

(35:00) And finally, she shares her biggest tips for someone wanting to start in cosplay.

If you want to reach out to Jedimanda, you can do so on all social media mostly on Instagram and TikTok as Jedimanda.

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.