In this episode, Aaronica Cole and Julian C. Collins catch up after a short podcast break to talk sewing expos, travel, and the upcoming Atlanta Frocktails event.

Aaronica shares her excitement about a new challenge she launched that ties in perfectly with Frocktails, while Julian reflects on the importance of self-compassion after stepping away for some rest. They chat about recent life updates—Aaronica’s spring break plans and mental reset, and Julian’s first international trip to Switzerland, where he found unexpected peace and inspiration.

They also dive into the evolving role of sewing expos, the value of hands-on fabric experiences, and Aaronica’s upcoming bralette sew along. The episode wraps with outfit plans for Frocktails and the announcement of the So Tailored For You Challenge 2025, a celebration of personal style and creative expression.

In this episode, Aaronica Cole and Julian C. Collins dive deep into the joys and struggles of teaching, the emotional toll of their work, and the importance of finding supportive spaces. They share personal reflections on family, creativity, and the challenges of staying motivated in their fields.

The conversation takes a turn into fashion, where they break down some of the most talked-about Grammy looks—what worked, what didn’t, and what straight-up missed the mark. Plus, they get into the artistry of hairstyling, the evolution of technique, and why having the right professionals makes all the difference.

And, of course, they couldn’t wrap things up without chatting about an exciting upcoming event, navigating budget constraints in creative projects, and the role of community in mental well-being. It's a blend of real talk, cultural critique, and plenty of laughs. You don’t want to miss this one!

In this episode, Aaronica Cole and Julian dive into a raw and thought-provoking conversation about the emotional aftermath of recent events and the power of community in challenging times. They share personal reflections on navigating social media, embracing change, and finding joy as an act of resistance.

The discussion takes surprising turns, covering everything from the complexities of streaming platforms to the evolving dynamics of workplace equity. They touch on hot-button issues, reflect on personal growth, and explore how to foster meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world.

If you're curious about finding resilience, navigating shifting societal norms, or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.

Link Mentioned:

https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/human-prosperity/reskilling-program

This week on the podcast, Julian and Aaronica dive into some big conversations that hit close to home.

First, they unpack the latest drama surrounding TikTok and what it could mean for creators and communities like ours. From government debates to personal reflections, they share why this platform has been so transformative and what might come next. If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and felt inspired, connected, or maybe even a little nostalgic, this one’s for you.

Then, they take on a surprising update from a major player in the creative world that’s navigating some rocky waters. What does this mean for the future of crafting and sewing? They explore the ripple effects, how it impacts everyday people, and why it’s a reminder of the importance of community.

Of course, they couldn’t leave without chatting about their latest projects and sharing tips to help you crush your goals. Whether you’re sewing, dreaming big, or just trying to stay creative, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in!

Mentioned links:

https://www.doubleveil.net/zssmp/resources.htm#sears

Connect with Julian 

• Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/juliancreates 

Connect with Aaronica

• Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/aaronicasews 

🎙️ This Week on the Podcast: Growth, Resilience, and Looking Ahead 🌟

In this episode, Aaronica and Julian share their goals for 2025, including exciting updates like Aaronica’s rebrand to Aaronica B. Cole Studio and a fresh vision for the podcast. They dive into the emotional impact of loss, reflecting on the California fires, and explore the importance of compassion and meaningful support.

The conversation touches on sustainability, the power of community, and the challenges of navigating social media as a creator. With reflections on personal growth and big aspirations for the year ahead, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to kick off 2025 strong.

🎧 Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend! ❤️

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Julian 

• Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/juliancreates 

Connect with Aaronica

• Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/aaronicasews 

Join Julian and Aaronica in this catch up episode after life has been lifeing. 

Join Aaronica and Julian as they do a live recording of the podcast. 

You know lives bring all the TEA... and crumpets!

Before Julian and Aaronica jump into this podcast episode, they want to acknowledge the violence that Terrance Williams survived. They ask the sewing community to hold space for him and his healing journey at this time. If you have extra this season, please consider donating to his GoFundMe as he is an entrepreneur and will have to pay for this care. Details can be found here: https://weloveterrance.com/

In this episode, Julian and Aaronica dive into discussions about health challenges, emphasizing the importance of supportive healthcare providers and their impact on overall well-being. They also explore body image and size inclusivity in sewing, sharing personal and community experiences of navigating body changes and the emotional connections tied to sewing.

The episode wraps up with exciting updates on upcoming sewing opportunities, including Julian's online class on button-up shirts, and the buzz around New Pattern November. Julian and Aaronica also share their current projects and holiday sewing plans, highlighting the importance of self-care and personal expression through fashion.

Links: 

In this episode, Aaronica and Julian dive into their current sewing projects, with Aaronica highlighting her initiative, "New Pattern November," a push to use unmade patterns and support small businesses. They each share personal sewing goals—Aaronica celebrating her sponsors and Julian sharing his progress on the Make 9 challenge. They also announce their availability for teaching classes and open the Audacity Podcast for sponsorships, with a focus on enhancing representation within the sewing community.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on self-care and community engagement, especially with the upcoming elections. Julian emphasizes the value of maintaining mental health through enjoyable activities and creative projects, while Aaronica encourages early voters to embrace a peaceful voting experience. They both share aspirations for future sewing projects, like bag-making and pattern drafting, underscoring the importance of staying connected with their community during stressful times.

Check out the store mentioned here: https://www.metanoiabychikaya.com/

In this episode, Julian recounted his experience at the Blink Festival in Cincinnati, where he collaborated on an installation called Hoko House, which featured recycled materials and interactive displays. He humorously described his outfit and the minor injury he sustained from his light-up shoes. The festival was a positive experience, bolstered by support from friends and colleagues. Additionally, he shared a poignant moment from a quilt show featuring the AIDS quilt, emphasizing its historical significance and the importance of community spaces for marginalized groups, particularly LGBT elders.

The two also discussed personal and professional activities over the weekend, including Aaronica's teaching at Spelman College and her recent YouTube video. They reflected on the importance of nurturing children's aspirations, particularly in creative fields, and shared their own experiences with parental expectations. Julian also discussed his journey in fashion design, including challenges he faced in education and the impact of his ADHD on his learning and media consumption. Their conversation underscored the complexities of pursuing creative passions while navigating societal norms and personal challenges.