Meet Kisha Martin | Founder & Sewing Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kisha Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Sage Studio LA was born from a deep desire to create the space I always wished existed when I was starting out. I’ve been sewing and working in creative industries for years, I ran a women’s fashion brand, worked with stylists and celebrities on custom work & tailoring, and consulted small fashion brands, helping them create collections. Through all that, I saw how hard it is to access the tools and support you need when you’re just getting started. And how limited access can hold people back, especially in communities like mine.

There are so many talented people with brilliant ideas and untapped potential, but nowhere to nurture it. I kept asking, “why doesn’t a space like this already exist in our community?” So I stopped waiting and decided to build it. It started with an idea, a few machines, and a commitment to create something bigger than me.

Since launching, we’ve been hosting pop-up workshops in Inglewood, proving that the demand is real and the impact is meaningful. We’ve served hundreds of creatives, built an active waitlist for future services, and seen firsthand how much our community craves this kind of creative space. Now, we’re ready to grow. We’re actively looking for a permanent home where we can expand our programming and offerings.

This business model isn’t new, it’s proven to work. You’ll see spaces like this near downtown LA, but nothing like it south of the city. And yet, the talent is here. I’m just finally creating a space that meets that talent where it is.

Recently, that vision was recognized on a national level: Sage Studio LA was selected as a 2025 Black Ambition Semifinalist. Black Ambition, founded by Pharrell Williams, is an initiative focused on closing the racial wealth gap by investing in bold ideas and supporting underrepresented founders with the resources, capital, and community they need to thrive.

It’s an incredible honor, and a reminder that the work we’re doing matters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sage Studio LA started with a few machines, an idea, and a deep belief in the people it was for. We launched pop-up workshops and classes in Inglewood, and the response was immediate. Since then, we’ve served hundreds of creatives, built a waitlist for memberships and private studio rentals, and proven that this kind of space is needed in our community.

We are more than just a place to sew. It’s a creative co-working space built on access, care, and community. We center the people too often overlooked in this industry, those with talent but lack access to the tools, equipment, and education needed to bring their ideas to fruition.

My path here wasn’t linear. I spent years behind the scenes, doing custom work and tailoring for stylists and celebrities, running a women’s fashion brand, consulting for small brands, and watched brilliant people stall out simply because they lacked support. I saw the gap. So I built what I wish existed.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth, it’s the stories. Those who come in unsure and leave with new skills and confidence in their abilities.

Now, we’re fundraising to secure our first flagship studio, a permanent home for everything we’ve already proven possible. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting LA, we’d keep it low-key but full of good food and good energy. I’m not into clubs or big parties, so we’d skip all of that and lean into dinners, creative outings, and beautiful spaces. I’m a foodie at heart, so we’d definitely hit some of my favorite moody restaurants like The Linden or Somerville. I also love sushi so maybe SUGARFISH, Kazu Nori or Nobu for special occasions. I love a place with nice ambiance and drinks. We’d probably try Lucia too, which has been on my list.

Mornings would start with a matcha or coffee date at a cute spot, then at some point, we’d make time for something creative, like a pottery class at Bitter Root Pottery. I love creative hands-on activities and experiences. Elorea has a really cool Scent & Sip Experience, where each drink is created to pair with one of their 12 fragrances to create a unique sensory experience and I think that’s pretty cool. I’d also carve out time for a beach day at some point. I may not get out much on a regular basis, but when I do, I try to make it meaningful and memorable, and that’s exactly the kind of week I’d want to give someone I care about.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. There’s no way I’d be where I am without the people and communities that have poured into me. First and foremost, I have to shout out my family and close friends for always reminding me of who I am, especially in the moments I’ve doubted it, and for celebrating every small win like it was a big one.

I’m also deeply grateful for the creative community that’s formed around Sage Studio LA. Every person who’s shown up to a class, shared kind words, or believed in the vision has played a part in getting us this far. Their encouragement keeps me going and reminds me that what I’m building matters.

This journey has been fueled by love, belief, and community and I carry that with me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.sagestudiola.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagestudiola

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmartin2120/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagestudio

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sage-studio-la-inglewood-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sagestudiola

Other: Personal IG – https://www.instagram.com/xo.keesh/

Image Credits
Darnell at EL-V8
https://www.instagram.com/portiermccoy

For the headshot only.