From the Kitchen to the Classroom: Reflections from Jasmine White, a FISP Alum

Meet Jasmine White, a culinary artist turned fashion design enthusiast. From her chef days to mastering industrial sewing and production at ISAIC, Jazz's journey is marked by growth, maturity, and a profound passion for fashion. 
 
"I always wanted to do fashion. It was therapeutic for me. When I moved to Vegas, I started my journey in fashion design, exploring pattern making, draping, and the evolution of fashion." 
 
Jazz’s previous career in culinary arts, while successful, felt limiting. Her decision to shift careers stemmed from a desire for more. 
 
"It was about maturity and growth. Culinary arts provided stability, but I felt the need to break free, explore, and embrace something different." 
 
The transition from sushi chef to aspiring fashion designer reflects Jasmine's commitment to personal and creative evolution. 
 
"I would like to have my own brand called Harmony Park. I want to focus on tailored and elegant looks, not fast fashion. I want to make timeless pieces, something that hasn't been made before." 
 
Entering ISAIC’s FISP program was a strategic move for Jasmine, providing a bridge between her creativity and a sustainable career in fashion. 
 
"This class showed the industrial side, allowing people to build a career they love while still working on their creative processes." 
 
Jazz emphasizes the value of the program in preparing students for careers beyond DIY creativity, providing a professional edge sought by industries like automotive and fashion. 
 
"The program gave me a professional feel versus just going to a fashion design school. It's not just about a sewing machine; it's about technical skills and understanding different textiles." 
 
ISAIC's cohort-style learning environment created a unique space for students with diverse goals to share experiences and foster a sense of community. 
 
"I enjoyed the professional setting in the class, even as we learned. It made me feel like I was already in that field, giving me the confidence to pursue my passion." 
 
Looking ahead, Jasmine envisions establishing her brand, Harmony Park, contributing to Detroit's evolving fashion community. 
 
"I'm excited for what's next. I want to continue growing with ISAIC, taking advantage of the blessings provided to me." 
 
Reflecting on her ISAIC experience, Jasmine suggests a slight extension of the program to ensure comprehensive learning for all. 
 
"If anything, an extra week wouldn't hurt. It could make a difference for someone gaining confidence in their skills." 

We’re excited to announce that we’ve added an additional 24 hours to the program for students to gain more experience learning in a real manufacturing setting. With this extension, students will leave FISP even more prepared for obtaining careers in the textile industry.  
 
Jasmine's story is more than a journey; it's an inspiration for aspiring artisans and entrepreneurs venturing into the dynamic world of fashion. Her words echo a simple yet powerful piece of advice: "Go for it." 

Chandler Vaughan