Lasting Love

“Do what you love,” my Uncle Peter echoed, as I drifted off into the memory of my departure. Questions swirled: Why did you leave a dream job? Did they ask you to leave? Were you terminated? No—actually, the President called me on my mobile when she heard the news and asked if there was anything they could do to convince me to stay.

I often found myself coming up with excuses to make others feel at ease. After all, it’s far easier to explain leaving something terrible than to explain walking away from something truly great. I had been at the University for nearly four years, building and expanding a remarkable entrepreneurship center—one that was gaining global recognition for its leadership in Creative Entrepreneurship.

And yet, all I truly wanted was to return to myself. On a recent phone call, my Uncle Peter reminded me—gently and in his own words—that I am a pioneer in the fashion world, and that I must carry forward with joy. Never again will I compromise the integrity of being my true self. I was nearly convinced to follow the course others had laid out for my life—so much so that I could no longer distinguish which dreams were mine and which belonged to someone else’s expectations.

When an advisor asked, “Who is this someone you keep referring to?”—that’s when it hit me. That someone didn’t even exist. They were merely ideals—projections of what I assumed others expected of me. I had mistaken that illusion for guidance. But in truth, it was slowly suffocating the very light that made my life bright and magical.

I would rather take the hard, winding back road of my own making than walk the smooth and narrow path where others stand in line. I have so many exciting updates to share. But for now, I will simply say: I’ve received the baton—and I’m continuing my fashion journey in a bold, new way.

I’m thrilled to turn the page to a new chapter—impact-driven fashion entrepreneurship education—as I embark on a doctorate in Public Administration with a specialization in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

I have finally discovered the intersection between the Elsa Fitzgerald fashion house and the SEW BROMO Fashion Innovation Hub. Take a look at the beautiful lace fabric that will soon be transformed into the Elsa Fitzgerald Kebaya Suit—a true merging of tradition, elegance, and contemporary fashion entrepreneurship.

Mr. Hardy, in the heart of the Needle Trades District, is working on alterations for a Christian Dior suit—using the industrial sewing machines we helped fundraise for. These tools not only support the growth of his business, but also allow him to pass on invaluable industry knowledge to the next generation.

SEW BROMO has relaunched its entrepreneurship membership as the Fashion Innovation Hub. We've added a new section in the portal where I’ll be sharing insights and notes from my doctoral research to help guide and support our members.

We will continue our partnership with Nicole from Belvidere Terrace Atelier on the Elsa Fitzgerald collection, the Fashion Product Development Digital Course, and the Sewing Innovation Lab. Check out the video below to learn more.