Celebrating our Fall 2024 Graduates: A Remarkable Journey
Photo Credit: Booked by SELF Academy
It’s hard to believe it’s been four weeks since our Fall 2024 Student Showcase, where our first-year students showcased their 3-piece Capsule Collections in Atlantic Station on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Their hard work and creativity have truly shined, and having their first (ever!) garments in a retail store is a monumental achievement — one that not many can say they’ve accomplished in just under a year!
Our students entered into our 7-Month Fashion Design Training Program with very little to no sewing experience. Over the course of the program, they covered a diverse range of introductory topics, from sewing and patternmaking to fabric and textiles, garment construction, tech pack development, and more. Their dedication has culminated in an outstanding showcase of creativity and skill through their Collections.
As a relatively new fashion design Academy, we have met a 100% placement rate, with each first-year student presenting their collections in retail stores. This accomplishment is a testament to the supportive environment we’ve cultivated at our Academy. Alana Dillard, a first-year student, shared her excitement, stating, “Seeing my collection in a store for the first time was a dream come true! I never imagined this would happen so quickly.” Another first-year student, Destiny Bussey, tearfully added, “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe that’s my Collection on window display. That’s crazy!”
Our team of Fashion Instructors have played an invaluable role in guiding our students. Their expertise and encouragement have been pivotal to our first-year students’ success. Neva Bryant, our Fashion Design Instructor, remarked, “I am incredibly proud of each student. They have poured their hearts into their work and truly deserve this moment. Watching them grow as designers in the last 7 months has been an amazing experience. I’m so happy to witness this with them.” Meredith Hill, another Fashion Design Instructor, added, “Everyone did a wonderful job! Their Collections are so beautiful!”
In addition to the retail placement at Atlantic Station, we secured more internship placements (over 60!) than we have first-year students, ensuring that those who met our Internship Criteria have a chance to gain invaluable experience in the industry. This initiative reflects our commitment to the professional development of our students, setting them up for future success.
Gynella Ngounou, our Academy Director and Founder, states that, “The passion and creavitivity of our students and staff inspire me every day. I am so proud of everyone and excited for what lies ahead for Students Expressing Life through Fashion Academy.
With a passion for nurturing talent and a commitment to affordability, we’ve set out to redefine fashion education in the heart of Atlanta and beyond. And we’re just getting started.
