By Pinn Duong
(This is part 1 of a two-part blog, each section features a guest speaker at The Fashion Program Speaker Series at GCC on March 4, 2020.)
Kathy Healey is the creator and owner of 22-year-old custom window treatment design firm, Healey Wear, in Rochester, NY. In addition to window treatments, her firm also expands to other parts of home interiors, including cushions, pillows, quilts and occasionally clothing alteration.
Beside window treatments and home interiors, Healey also worked on clothing alteration. She often paralleled working on clothing alteration as being similar to an autoparts mechanic, “Clothing alteration can sometimes be tedious, but very interesting. It’s taking something apart, seeing how it’s made, fixing it and putting it back in a better way. The biggest and best compliment I get from people is when they say, ‘Wow, how did you do that!’ making me feel like a magician.
She has also been a content creator by publishing two articles for Sew News Magazine, and another one for Threads Magazine.
“My first publication for Sew News was my 13th submission; I submitted around 12 different ideas before my submission was picked. If you want to do this kind of work, just as other types of creators or inventors, you gotta have a tough skin. And whenever you face rejection, you have to say to yourself, ‘Okay, I’m gonna keep going, I’m gonna keep going.’ After my third submission, I told my son ‘I’m a content creator now, isn’t that cool!’ “
Workspaces inside her home include a second-floor sewing studio, a second-floor fitting room and a basement workroom. Healey discussed in details different aspects and tips of working from home. “Sometimes, a customer comes in with their wedding gown, then her mother comes and then another member of their family, and that’s three cars without parking spaces,” she recalls. “Whether it’s home or company, communication is important not just to your customers but also your own family members.”
Another thing you have to be aware of is your home and property needs to look nice and be kept up. Keep your home/work setting professional, you can’t be mowing a lawn when somebody comes to try on their dresses… “
Working from home allows you a flexible schedule, but somewhat limits your networking opportunities. “We’re always hungry; we’re always looking for what’s our next job. American Sewing Guild has been a great networking source of friends, sewing enthusiasts, and knowledge. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with what’s the latest change in shades, updated safety rules; sometimes I run out of blinding, or interfacing… By coming together and working with other women in this group, we find ways to help each other.”
Networking also happened informally. My younger son was very active in high school musicals theatre groups. When the local costume-making community knew I could sew, they liked me a lot,” she laughed. “Doing costume work is another wacky way to learn how to sew. It’s also a nice way of helping and volunteering for the community.”
GCC Plaid Inventory is still for sale, but time is running out as the end of the semester is quickly approaching!
Tuesday February 5th 12:30-1:30 in T122
Makeup is becoming more popularized though the internet. Female consumers are choosing to watch YouTube makeup gurus to help them along in their makeup journey, and with celebrities constantly always trying to look their best. 
In conclusion people should feel confident no matter how much makeup they put on their skin, but with the makeup industry continuously growing this trend is not going anywhere soon. Celebrities and other lovable icons will continually endorse makeup as long as the fashion industry keeps making it, because while makeup does cause some women stress, it also play a huge role in our society.
Yeezy is designed by Kanye West and he hypes them up by wearing them before the release date. Sometimes it’s hyped up too much to the point that it backfires and the shoes will sit on the shelf due to over production. The most recent pair of Yeezy’s are the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 which are the “Zebra” and “Sesame” print. “Zebra” has features that make it recognizable, a chunky bottom, logo, and the overall design. The Zebra print have clean ice (clear) bottoms. The red logo SPLY-350 is the known trademark and then of course you have the Zebra Print. The best thing about these shoes (being an owner of a few pairs) is the fact they are really comfortable. They feel like you’re walking on air all the time. They won’t disappoint.
Another shoe that is really popular at the time is Nike Off-White 1’s. These shoes aren’t your typical go to pair. You could wear these to the family function when you want to show off, or if you want your outfit to pop. I love the detail of the shoe. It has the zip tie on it so you know it’s a part of the “Off-White” family. They also come with 2 different color shoe laces so you’re able to change the colors.
I was also given amazing opportunities to travel to Rochester to go to a speaker series with my fashion program, and learned valuable information, and learned a few things about starting my own business later on in life. I was also given the opportunity to travel to Buffalo to go to the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives meeting where I was able to interact with fellow entrepreneurs, and find some amazing contacts along the way.
In anticipation of the 38th annual fashion show, and as an experienced model since the age of 16, I wanted to write this blog to introduce you to the inside world of modeling. Modeling in the fashion industry can be stressful, demanding and time consuming. Additionally, models have the expectation of behaving in a certain manner while promoting a brand. There are freelance (independent) models and industry models who are endorsed by a brand. The difference between industry models and myself is that I am freelance. Freelance models pay for photo shoots up front, and generate income by selling the images, while industry models are compensated upfront for their photoshoots, time, and incidentals, but they do not own the images.
This year’s fashion show is “Limitless”, meaning nothing is restricted. One of the greatest things about this show is the coordinators are using models of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and race. This is extremely important because it broadens the idea for outfits and designs as well as includes everyone who wants a chance in the show. I modeled in last year’s show, and it was an amazing experience!
And finally, the last trend you need to know is VOGUE’s “Fruity Suiting”. Follow this trend if you want to make your wardrobe more colorful and fun. Suits, jackets and blazers in colorful and bright oranges, yellows, reds, greens, and blues make your outfit less formal and more fun. This trend allows you to express yourself confidently.
Genesee Community College Blog 