Thobe pictured on the left with participant Wanda wearing Thobes design .

As we embrace the holiday season, Custom Collaborative is highlighting participant stories that embody the incredible impact of our work and mission.

Meet Thobe Smith, a determined graduate from our 10th cohort. Thobe's journey with us was more than just learning the art of garment creation. It was about resilience, community, and a remarkable transformation.

Thobe's commitment to learning garment creation never wavered. Her classmates and instructor became her support system during her son's illness, fueling her determination to succeed.

Thobe's proudest moments were crafting her first pants pattern and completing her graduation outfit. She runs her home studio today, blending traditional African attire with modern designs. Her focus on sustainability, upcycling fabrics into unique pieces, showcases her dedication.

In her own words, Thobe expresses, "I have already started doing alterations for a few clients and plan to acquire more. Now that my home studio is ready, I will start making custom designs, specializing in bridging traditional African attire and modern styles. Many of these new pieces will be created by upcycling damaged or discarded fabrics. I am grateful to Custom Collaborative for teaching me these skills and the importance of sustainability in fashion. I feel like I can accomplish anything!"