Mission: As the sole Academy and Agency for prospective designers located in Downtown Atlanta, Students Expressing Life through Fashion prepares designers for professional excellence in design and business through an unconventional program tailored to your design aspirations, experiential learning, and innovative partnerships. SELF prioritizes innovation, career exploration, and a comprehensive worldview, all while fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and a vibrant community.

Vision: Students Expressing Life through Fashion will be globally renowned as a beacon of affordable, high-quality fashion education and innovation. By breaking down traditional barriers and fostering collaboration between students and creative industries, we are igniting innovation that transcends all creative realms. We cherish individuality, value innovation, and embrace the challenge of redefining education.

New York Fashion Week featured Designer, TED Talk Speaker and Georgia Tech alumni, Gynella Ngounou, founded Students Expressing Life through Fashion on the premise of her story. Her dream of pursuing her passion for design at Savannah College of Art and Design was met with the cold reality of financial barriers. The skyrocketing tuition stood as an insurmountable wall between her and her aspirations. She knew that she wasn’t alone in this struggle; countless others faced similar challenges. It was this realization, this empathy for the dreams of others, that sparked the idea for Students Expressing Life through Fashion. She founded SELF Academy, not as a mere institution, but as a haven for creativity and innovation. An Academy that would provide prospective and existing designers with affordable, high-quality fashion education and sustainable careers.

Students Expressing Life through Fashion prioritizes the needs and aspirations of our designer-students, offering classes and services tailored to their unique preferences and design goals.

At SELF Academy, we are more than an Academy; we are a movement. A movement that educates, employs and equips fashion designers. A place where dreams are not just seen but stitched into reality, where individuality is celebrated, and innovation is cherished.

The enrollment and registration period for the November class schedule is Friday, October 6th to Saturday, October 21st, 2023. You will gain access to schedule class times for the November class schedule on Friday, October 13th at 10:00am EST. November classes will begin Monday, October 30, 2023. As a reminder, in order to register for the following month's class schedule you must be enrolled by the enrollment deadline.

Starting November 1st, the enrollment deadline is the 7th of every month.

All payments are nonrefundable.

Seamlessly fit your learning into your schedule and advance at your own pace. Upon purchase of a Membership, you will automatically receive your Sew with SELF Member Portal where you can select your official class schedule. You can pick between the following class times:

• Class A: Mondays (10:00am-12:00pm EST)

• Class B: Mondays (1:00pm-3:00pm EST)

• Class C: Tuesdays (10:00am-12:00pm EST)

• Class D: Tuesdays (1:00pm-3:00pm EST)

• Class E: Saturdays (1:00pm-3:00pm EST)

With a one-time monthly payment, you gain access to three 2-hour, in-person sewing and design classes each month. Our classes cover a diverse range of topics, from beginner to advanced levels. No hidden fees, and no surprises — just affordable, high-quality fashion education.

Learn more about our Membership Benefits here.

Makeup classes are by request only on your SELF Portal, before the request deadline.

During designated hours/days and for an additional fee, you can receive access to our exclusive Studio space to work on your projects, collaborate with fellow designer-students, or simply unwind in a creative atmosphere.

Our SELF Club Pass is the perfect option for those who want to be part of an exclusive community of fashion designers. As a SELF Club Pass holder, you gain access to Open Studio per week and exclusive access to our calendar of events.

Learn more about our SELF Club Pass here.

Apply your knowledge in actual industry settings and gain hands-on experience that is invaluable for your career. Our Booked by SELF Program provides you with career opportunities that can enhance your skills, boost your resume, and make you a sought-after candidate for future employers.

We are always accepting applications. Apply here.

Our only form of communication is by email. Contact us by submitting a Contact Us Form. Please allow a response time of 1-3 business days.

Students Expressing Life through Fashion Academy is affiliated and partnered with LaunchGSU/Georgia State University but not under the umbrella of the University.

At Students Expressing Life through Fashion, our designer-students can get paired up with a Fashion Accountability Partner. The FAP is a fellow designer peer in the Academy who will hold you accountable to your designer goals.

We take pride in providing a fully equipped and nurturing environment for your fashion education journey. Our Studio resources are meant for in-class use only. We require that you:

• Treat all machines, tools, materials and resources with care and respect. Follow the guidance of your Instructor on proper usage.

• Adhere to all rules regarding studio rules, storage rules, machine usage rules, and workspace organization rules.

• Do not remove equipment, tools, or materials from our studio.

• Comply with rules by Students Expressing Life through Fashion, LLC., LaunchGSU and Georgia State University.

Failure to comply with our rules may result in your inability to continue with Students Expressing Life through Fashion Academy. Refunds will not be issued.

We believe in fostering a creative and collaborative atmosphere within our studio, and adherence to these rules is essential to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our students.