Story:
My maternal grandmother, affectionately called Sister Sarah, was a self-taught seamstress. She could design clothing from patterns or freehand design. She was a natural talent.
I remember the excitement I felt when she would use “fancy” (lace, taffeta, satin etc) fabrics because I knew I would be the recipient of the fabric scraps. My sister’s and my Christie dolls were sharp. She taught my sister and I sewing basics. We didn’t get much time on her black Singer sewing machine but we knew how to handle a needle and thread.

I remember highs, like high school girls screeching with joy when they did their final prom dress fitting. I remember lows like once seeing her cry when she attempted to collect on a large balance from a huge organization who cheated her after they received their custom order from her.
My love for fabrics, beads, rhinestones started with her.

I didn’t walk the path of clothing design but I do find love in exploring textiles, designs and patterns when designing and handcrafting wedding jumping brooms and accessories.
Grandma Sarah died before I turned 16. Then, I didn’t realize the magnitude of the blessing of having access to someone willing to lovingly and patiently teach me cooking from scratch, how to care for my natural hair, sewing and mending clothing. She was a skillful, entrepreneurial star. She was creative gold and I hope she knew that. I hope she was surrounded by people who spoke love and life into her. I hope she knows that creative outlet she exposed us to has “saved my life” time and time again. I’m grateful for her influence, tenacity and guidance. I hope she knew she was loved.

Creative Field: I design and handcraft wedding jumping brooms for couples who choose to jump the broom at their weddings to pay homage to their ancestors.

Connect: @bridesnbrooms