Our Fashion Education Story

Growing Up in Fashion

My earliest memories are of watching my mum sew as a paid home worker on a free hand embroidery machine, from my baby bouncer in Daisy Hill in the mid-70s.

Looking up to under side of the industrial embroidery machine to watch the engine rotate and her elbows and knees gracefully work the machine parts must have put me to sleep on many occasions. As I grew taller and could eventually see over the tabletop, I remember standing ever so quiet watching her create beautiful words and fonts on soft fabrics. It was mesmerising. 

Mum taught me everything I knew about sewing in my youth, as she had worked in Manchester, England for many years prior to moving to Australia.

Realising her skills were so highly sought after it's always been a proud moment to talk about her influence on my journey.

Because she taught me how to sew, I knew I wanted to master the art of pattern making and drafting garments from measurements. This foundation shaped my entire career.

A Lifelong Passion

Now, as a tea-drinking, dog and cat-obsessed fashion teacher by day and mum to a cartwheeling, dance-loving tween by night, I balance my passion for creativity with family life. My mum's recent dementia diagnosis has been devastating, but it's deepened my appreciation for the skills she passed on to me.

From Brisbane to the World

My official career started in 1991 at a Fashion Agency in West End during grade 11. Sharmyn Fashion Agency later called to let me know they had a vacancy in 1993. Funny situation was I had paid for a campervan to drive to Townsville from Brisbane for a 2-year TAFE course. Instead of staying in Townsville, I drove back to Brisbane with mum + dad to begin working in the Agency which to be honest was a blast in the 1990's grunge era. Sharon my mentor is still a lifelong friend, bestie and someone I will forever need in my life. We have gone through so much. 

During these 3 years, I decided to study part time evening courses at TAFE.

Reapplying to study Couture at TAFE as a mature student. My tutors were all amazing. Making more life long friendships. 

After finishing this course, Triumph International employed this little fashion bae as a textile librarian. This was a fun interesting and informative job.

A girlfriend from high school contacted me one day heading home from work to ask if I knew anyone who would be interested in designing textiles. Of course, I said MMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Then became head textile designer at Logan Textiles, a knitting mill in Browns Plains, traveling the world researching trends and drawing every day. I loved this job. 

Silly me left this job to start a clothing brand with a college colleague who wasn't upfront with their decisions. This friendship did break down and I cut ties. This was after making many years of allowances. But enough was enough.

International Experience

I courageously moved to London, working with prestigious brands like Ted Baker, ASOS, Top Shop, and Selfridges. Those four years taught me invaluable lessons about the global fashion industry. Returning to Australia, I discovered my true calling: teaching the next generation of fashion professionals.

Sharing Knowledge Since 2013

I've been teaching as a profession since 2013, working with VET students and running Fashion Student. My workshops are unique because I've spent the past eight years writing qualifications, ensuring every course delivers real-world skills that matter in today's industry.

Creativity Meets Business

My love is creativity and daydreaming, but I completely understand that this industry is a business. I teach both the artistic and commercial sides of fashion, preparing students for the realities of working in this dynamic field. I truly hope you enjoy the workshops as much as I've enjoyed creating them.

A Changing Industry

The fashion industry is evolving, and I'm passionate about leading positive change. Through Fashion Student, I'm committed to teaching sustainable practices and encouraging the wider community to embrace more responsible fashion choices that respect both people and the planet.

Building a Better Future

I'm hoping the community will allow for positive, more sustainable options in fashion. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability principles, we can create a fashion industry that honors heritage while protecting our future. That's the vision I share with every student.

From Textile Librarian to Global Designer

My career officially began in 1991 at a Fashion Agency in West End, though I'd been watching my mum sew from my bouncer in the mid-70s. After studying Couture at TAFE, I landed positions at Triumph International and later as head textile designer at a knitting mill, travelling the world researching trends and drawing daily.

International Experience and Return Home

I courageously moved to London, working with prestigious brands including Ted Baker, ASOS, Top Shop, and Selfridges. After four years of invaluable learning, I returned to Australia with a clear desire: to teach the skills I'd mastered over decades in this ever-changing industry.

Sharing Skills That Matter

Since 2013, I've been teaching professionally in VET, passing on the pattern making and garment drafting skills I learned from working with exclusive brands. My mum taught me everything about sewing, and now I honour that legacy by teaching students the technical precision this industry demands.

Unique Workshop Offerings

The workshops I offer are truly unique—I've spent the past 8 years writing qualifications for the fashion industry. Each workshop combines my love for creativity and daydreaming with the business realities of this changing industry, always focusing on sustainable, positive options for the future.

Life Beyond the Studio

I'm a tea-drinking, dog and cat obsessed fashion teacher by day, and by night, a mum to a cartwheeling, dance, sport, and YouTube-loving 10-year-old tween. I'm also a loving daughter to my beautiful mum, who was recently diagnosed with early stages of dementia—devastated is an understatement.

A Legacy of Learning

My mum taught me the foundation of everything I knew about sewing. Her skills were highly sought after, which inspired me to expand my knowledge into pattern making and technical design. Now I carry forward that tradition of excellence, hoping you'll enjoy these workshops as much as I've enjoyed creating them.

Understanding the Business of Fashion

While my love is creativity and daydreaming, I completely understand that this industry is a business. Fashion is constantly evolving, and I'm committed to helping the wider community embrace more sustainable and positive practices that benefit both creators and consumers.

Building a Better Future

Through Fashion Student, I'm dedicated to equipping the next generation with both technical skills and business acumen. My workshops blend the artistry I've developed over 30 years with the practical knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive, sustainability-focused fashion landscape.