Aloma discovers her passion for fashion
As long as she can remember, Aloma Tou has wanted to be her ‘‘own boss’’. Now she’s doing just that by running her own small design and manufacture business from her Mangere home.
‘‘Making beautiful clothes that make people look and feel good appeals to me,’’ she explains. ‘‘It also allows me the freedom to do things at my own pace.’’
Aloma has many returning clients, and has worked on both individual garments and small contracts.
From her younger days, Aloma has loved sewing.
‘‘It was more of a hobby, but since I was so good at making clothes I thought why not make a career out of it,’’ she says.
Last year she enrolled at Sewtec Fashion Academy. Initially Aloma had butterflies in her stomach as she was returning to a classroom after many years. Plus, as a single mother she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to juggle family and studies.
However, her fears were misplaced because the campus turned out to be a second home.
‘‘Sewtec offers a very supportive and multicultural environment where your classmates and tutors are with you all the time,’’ she points out. ‘‘You never feel like you are on your own.’’
Plus, she loved the course because it was ‘‘so hands-on’’.
After completing the entry-level pattern making programme she has moved on to the advanced design course. This programme is giving her valuable insights into the advanced use of design concepts and pattern engineering while working towards an NZQA certificate.
Sewtec helps students follow their dreams by showcasing their designs to industry at their annual ‘Manukau En Vogue’ fashion show. which also gives budding designers the opportunity to interact with the fashion industry.
The Academy supports its students by offering business workshops, allowing them to develop their own unique business ideas in a supportive environment.
‘‘My next step is to enrol in the Diploma course,’’ she says. ‘‘I look forward to working with a business mentor who will help me set up and market a home-based business.’’
If you want a small outfit madeto-measure search for Aloma on Facebook or email her at aloma.tou@gmail.com.
To find out how Sewtec can help you, visit www.sewtec.ac.nz, call 0508 327 872 or search for
Sewtec on Facebook. The Academy offers no-strings, free trials on all its courses – so why not see if it’s a great fit for you.