Innovative nonprofit transforms unemployment into entrepreneurial success
The landscape of women’s economic empowerment is being reshaped through Custom Collaborative’s innovative approach to fashion education and entrepreneurship. The organization’s groundbreaking program not only transforms lives but also paves the way for marginalized women to build thriving careers in the fashion industry, fostering a new era of inclusion, sustainability, and entrepreneurial success.
Transformative vision in action
Founded by visionary leader Ngozi Okaro in 2016, Custom Collaborative emerged from a deep understanding of the untapped potential within marginalized communities, particularly those of immigrant women and people of color. The organization is located in New York’s Garment District, a hub for the fashion industry, which allows it to blend fashion expertise with essential business education. The result is a comprehensive program that provides opportunities for women to advance professionally, economically, and personally.
Custom Collaborative addresses systemic issues such as unemployment, financial instability, and underrepresentation by offering its participants the tools and resources needed to succeed in an industry that has historically been inaccessible to many. The vision is clear: empower women with the knowledge and confidence to not only secure employment but also to become independent entrepreneurs capable of influencing the fashion world.
Revolutionary educational approach
What sets Custom Collaborative apart is its 15-week curriculum that goes far beyond traditional vocational training. The program provides a holistic education that merges the craft of clothesmaking with crucial entrepreneurial skills. Participants are equipped with everything they need to thrive in both the fashion and business worlds.
The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects essential for building a successful fashion career, including:
Comprehensive clothesmaking fundamentals
Students gain practical skills in garment construction, learning to work with various fabrics and techniques to create high-quality, market-ready designs.
Advanced design techniques
In addition to mastering basic garment-making skills, participants are trained in advanced design concepts that allow them to experiment and create unique, fashion-forward pieces.
Business management principles
The program provides foundational knowledge in managing a business, including key aspects such as budgeting, operations, and scaling a fashion brand.
Financial literacy education
Empowerment is not just about creativity but also about understanding the financial aspects of business. Custom Collaborative ensures that participants are equipped with the skills to manage money, secure funding, and plan for the future.
Marketing strategy development
Fashion is not only about design, but also about communication. Graduates learn how to market themselves and their work effectively, utilizing social media, branding, and networking techniques to build their customer base.
Sustainable fashion practices
The organization emphasizes the importance of sustainability in fashion. Students learn how to integrate eco-friendly practices into their designs, reducing waste and making more sustainable choices in their work.
Entrepreneurial skill building
Participants are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs, with training in business development and skills such as networking, customer service, and strategic planning.
Impact through innovation
Custom Collaborative has seen remarkable success in transforming lives through its innovative approach to fashion education. The organization’s impact can be measured not only through impressive statistical achievements but also through the success stories of its graduates, who are now making significant strides in both their personal and professional lives.
Statistical achievement
The program boasts a 97% success rate in increasing financial literacy among graduates, with 83% of participants launching their own businesses after completing the program. These numbers speak to the lasting impact that Custom Collaborative has on its participants, showing that the program is more than just a training ground—it’s a springboard to real-world success.
Demographic reach
With 80% of participants being immigrants or first-generation Americans, Custom Collaborative has successfully created a platform for those who might otherwise have faced systemic barriers to accessing education and economic opportunities. The program’s success highlights the power of targeted initiatives in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in traditionally exclusive industries.
Sustainable fashion leadership
The program also champions sustainability in fashion, integrating eco-friendly practices into its teachings. Through the use of recycled materials, innovative design approaches, and waste reduction strategies, Custom Collaborative is helping create a more sustainable fashion industry. The program also offers environmental awareness education, making it a leader in combining fashion with social and environmental responsibility.
Professional development pathway
The support provided by Custom Collaborative goes far beyond education; the organization offers a comprehensive system of professional development that ensures lasting success for its graduates.
Mentorship integration
Graduates are paired with success managers who provide mentorship and facilitate valuable connections within the fashion industry. Industry professionals help guide graduates as they navigate the complex world of fashion business and design, ensuring that they stay on track as they build their careers.
Career advancement
Strategic partnerships with local fashion companies and organizations create internship and job placement opportunities for program participants, giving them the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Community impact evolution
The effects of Custom Collaborative’s work extend far beyond the individuals directly involved in the program. The organization’s approach fosters a ripple effect that positively impacts entire communities, creating a cycle of empowerment and resilience.
Economic empowerment of marginalized communities
By providing women with the tools to succeed in the fashion industry, Custom Collaborative is creating economic opportunities that help uplift marginalized communities. Graduates not only build their own businesses but also contribute to the economic growth of their neighborhoods.
Sustainable fashion industry development
Through its focus on sustainability, Custom Collaborative is helping shape a new generation of fashion professionals who are committed to ethical practices and reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.
Cultural diversity celebration
The program celebrates the cultural diversity of its participants, bringing together women from different backgrounds to collaborate and share their unique perspectives, making the fashion industry more inclusive and reflective of the world’s diversity.
Female entrepreneurship promotion
Custom Collaborative fosters female entrepreneurship by providing women with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed in business. The program’s success stories serve as an inspiration to other women, proving that entrepreneurship can be a viable and rewarding path for those with the right support.
Community resilience building
The work of Custom Collaborative strengthens the resilience of communities by providing women with the knowledge and confidence to overcome challenges, build their own businesses, and inspire others to do the same.
Future of fashion empowerment
Custom Collaborative’s innovative model offers a blueprint for the future of fashion industry education and economic empowerment. By combining skill development, sustainability, and support for women entrepreneurs, the program is helping to create lasting change in both the fashion world and society as a whole. Through its commitment to empowering marginalized women, Custom Collaborative is leading the way toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future in fashion.
