SINGER gives 30 sewing machines to face mask effort; Rightfully Sewn doubling goal after passing $125K in donations

By Tommy Felts | April 9, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. [divide] The pieces are coming together for a massive, face…

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Rightfully Sewn awarded first government grant to expand workforce development effort

By Tommy Felts | August 22, 2019

A $25,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration is expected to help push Rightfully Sewn closer to its goal of community impact through seamstress training. The Crossroads-based venture — with its glimmering atelier focused on economic development via the fashion industry — was among 12 winners of the SBA’s Makerspace Training, Collaboration and Hiring…

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Rightfully Sewn fashion event designed for female empowerment fit, Carbon38 founder

By Tommy Felts | May 28, 2019

Kansas City can step onto the runway as a fashion-forward city with the right education and attention, said Jennifer Lapka. Rightfully Sewn’s third annual fashion designer professional development seminar returns Saturday. With its attendance growing exponentially from year to year, the event underscores the development of Kansas City’s fashion scene, said Lapka, the founder of…

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AltCap winner launching its first Rightfully Sewn-label little black dress at TEDxKC Women

By Tommy Felts | November 16, 2018

Winning $10,000 in this week’s AltCap Your Biz Competition will help Rightfully Sewn expand, Jennifer Lapka said — a move coming on the heels of the social endeavor releasing the first dress under its own label to support the Crossroads-based seamstress training program. [pullquote]AltCap, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has been a catalyst for…

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