“Designers, make it work.”
Tim Gunn’s iconic quote has taken on a whole new meaning for a House of Ruth program participant who is fulfilling her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
When teenager Keisha and her mother arrived at House of Ruth, they fled domestic violence—a situation where nourishing dreams takes a back seat to survival. Despite the challenges in her family life, Keisha’s passion for fashion remained strong, though she didn’t know where to begin. With the support and resources provided by House of Ruth’s case management team, she forged a path forward.
Talented and determined, Keisha earned scholarships for fashion courses at Parsons School of Design and the California College of the Arts this summer. The programs took her from coast to coast—including her first-ever plane flight. You fueled Keisha’s dream. Through your support, Keisha’s travel and new wardrobe got her to the courses in style and on time.
“I had no idea how I would attend my precollege classes until House of Ruth stepped in. I’m so grateful I got to go—I had an amazing summer! I spent so much time honing my craft; I can do fashion croquis [a quick sketch of an ensemble] in my sleep now. After high school, I hope to attend one of those schools. I dream of becoming as big as Rick Owens, Balenciaga, or Chanel one day.”
During her time at these esteemed institutions, Keisha enriched her skills in sewing, sketching, and designing, and also reaffirmed her belief in her creative abilities. She returned home after completing both courses, not only having passed them with flying colors but also earning early college credits—a significant step toward her future.
Because of you, Keisha was able to seize this life-changing opportunity and return home with a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment. Thank you for believing in her and for playing a vital role in her journey.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy. The included photo may not picture the individuals featured in the story. The photo is of actual House of Ruth program participants.
