Send us a text As we wrap up this season of the Designers, Plants & Coffee Podcast, we’re sharing a little “what we’re working on” behind the scenes—and why we’re taking a short break. From new client work to back-to-school prep to launching the Cover Me Chic Collective, our plates are full. In this episode, you'll hear: Naima’s prep for the new teaching semester + taking private sewing clients in the DC metro areaLaTisha’s deep dive into corporate tech packs and fittings Zahiyya’s e...

Send us a text Why do so many women—especially Black, women-owned, and minority-owned entrepreneurs—struggle to price their products and services confidently? In this episode, we’re diving into the mindset, history, and community influences that often lead us to undervalue our work. From product pricing to project proposals, we talk about knowing your worth, negotiating with confidence, and learning to walk away when something doesn’t serve you. We also share our personal experiences, tips fo...

Send us a text In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we're joined by grief coach and lifelong friend Dr. Fatima Pierce of Anchored in Courage. Fatima unpacks what grief really is (hint: it's not just about death), why creatives are uniquely impacted by it, and how to move forward with hope and intention. Whether you've had to pause your business, return to a 9-5, or simply lost creative momentum, this conversation is for you. Learn how to make space for grief, the power of self-r...

Send us a text In this soul-soothing episode, LaTisha, Naima, and Zahiyya dive deep into the emotional power of sewing. From incense and playlists to project bags and plant therapy, discover how sewing becomes a sacred, healing space for each of these talented designers. Whether you're in a creative rut, setting up your sewing nook, or searching for purpose in your craft—this episode is your warm hug and gentle push to keep sewing. What We Cover in This Episode: Why sewing is therapy for crea...

Send us a text In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Zahiyya, Naima, and LaTisha share their funniest moments from the sewing classroom. From students who’ve never held an iron to the mysteries of missing notches and tape measures, we get real about the challenges of learning (and teaching) to sew. We talk: Why pressing beats ironing every timeThe magic of tailor’s hamsHow a seam ripper can save your sanityThe geometry of good garment constructionWhether you're a seasoned sewist or just th...

Joann Fabrics has officially shut down all stores—and now the Big 4 sewing pattern brands (Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, Butterick) are being liquidated. In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we break down what this means for sewists, designers, and the future of home sewing. Topics Covered: Why Joann really closedThe perfect storm that led to Big 4 pattern liquidationThe rise of indie sewing patterns + PDF downloadsHow to thrive in a post-Joann world as a sewist or designerWhat t...

In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we unpack what it really means to collaborate in today’s handmade business world. It’s not just about tagging each other on IG or saying “let’s collab!” in a DM—it’s about alignment, clear agreements, and mutual benefit. We talk about: How we built our podcast from the ground up—starting with friendshipWhy contracts protect both your business and your relationshipsThe difference between a true collaboration and a one-sided askWhat to say (and...

This episode of Designers, Plants, and Coffee dives into the rewarding world of sewing, exploring how learning new techniques and teaching others boosts confidence. Three creative business owners share their experiences, highlighting heartwarming student stories and offering actionable advice for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Discover the joys of mastering new skills and the impact of sharing your knowledge with others. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:18 Sewing L...

In this episode, we dive into the realities of designing clothes for curvy bodies. Zahiyya from Cover Me Chic shares her personal journey from industry insider to indie pattern designer, and why she started drafting for hips, butts, and bodies that aren’t being served by traditional fashion. We talk: How to choose the right pattern size for your shapeThe emotional impact of poor fit—and how to reclaim your confidenceBehind-the-scenes truths from fashion, fit, and pattern draftingWhy represent...

Meet the voices behind Cover Me Chic, Fearless Threads, and Keeping You in Stitches. In this kickoff episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing how we each started sewing, why we turned it into a business, and what keeps us inspired even on the hard days. In This Episode: Welcome to the PodcastMeet the HostsSewing BeginningsFrom Hobby to BusinessChallenges in EntrepreneurshipAdvice for Aspiring Sewists Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplan...

Can you believe we made it to the end of our season? 🎉 In this final episode of the Designers Plants and Coffee podcast, we’re toasting to a year of creativity, collaboration, and, let’s be real, some good ol’ caffeine-fueled conversations. As we closed out the season, we wish everyone happy holidays and encourage all creatives out there to keep pushing boundaries. We’ve got some exciting plans for spring, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it! So grab your favorite mug, stay inspire...

Sheree, the owner of Shredded Blues and an expert in upcycling, shares her journey of creating denim bags from old jeans, a venture inspired by her desire for a unique bag and supported by her daughter’s creative input. Initially hesitant to produce more bags despite interest, she now sells them on Instagram and is considering expanding to a website or Etsy, emphasizing sustainable fashion through thrifting and donations. The design process is spontaneous, though she has yet to name he...

In this episode we explore eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry, emphasizing sustainable dyeing methods and material sourcing. It highlights innovative techniques like vegetable dyeing in India that minimize chemical usage and advocates for the use of organic cotton and recycled yarns, particularly recycled polyester derived from melted plastic bottles for athletic wear. We also discuss water conservation strategies in dyeing, such as reusing colors instead of cont...

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges introverted business owners encounter when it comes to promoting their businesses. The conversation centers around the critical need to step outside of comfort zones to enhance visibility and foster engagement in a competitive market. We want to hear from you! If this episode inspired you in anyway take a screen shot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @designersplantsandcoffee For full s...

Main Theme: In this episode, we discuss how we identify; “creative nerds”, “fashion nerds” or “technical nerd”. We engage in a heartfelt discussion about our unique approaches to fashion and the significance of storytelling in design. Key Highlights: Individuality in DesignThe Power of StorytellingSentimental AnecdotesThe Tech Designer’s PerspectiveInspiration and Preference Listen now to explore the heart and soul of fashion design! Links: Free Cover Me Chic Kimono pattern: https://...

My trip to Kenya was absolutely amazing, especially my time at Masai Mara during the great migration. It was incredible to see thousands of animals moving across the land! I also noticed that the fashion in Kenya is changing; it’s got a bit of that New York vibe, but you can still see traditional Masai clothing in the rural areas. In Nairobi, I spotted a lot of modern styles, but I really loved those cozy plaid Masai blankets. One of the best parts of my trip was having meals made by a pers...

In this episode, the hosts of Designers Plants & Coffee dive deep into the experience of attending Frocktails in New York City, highlighting the significance of authenticity and peace in the creative journey for designers. Key Highlights: Engaging Atmosphere: The event fostered a warm and friendly environment, where attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about fashion and textile design, breaking down traditional stereotypes, especially regarding gender roles in the industry.Unique ...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of a modest fashion model who navigated the complexities of her career in an industry often at odds with her cultural and religious values. From her early beginnings influenced by family ties to her current entrepreneurial endeavors, she sheds light on the evolution of her passion for modest fashion. Key Takeaways: Embrace your unique path and cultural background as assets in your career.Understand that modest fashion can be both styli...

In today’s fast-paced digital world, your website is more than just an online address—it’s your storefront, portfolio, and primary tool for engaging visitors who decide in less than three seconds whether to stay! Join us on the Designers Plants & Coffee podcast as we dive deep into the essential elements of a successful online presence. From Instagram to LinkedIn, every platform offers unique opportunities to connect with your audience. 📈 Key takeaways include: The critical role of a...

In this episode, we explore effective strategies for designers to maintain motivation and authenticity in their creative work. We share insights on how to align daily practices with overarching goals, ensuring that passion and purpose guide every project. Key Highlights: 1. Working Backwards from Goals: The importance of starting with the big picture and breaking it down into manageable tasks. This approach serves as a daily reminder of personal aspirations, helping designers s...