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

Hi Lesley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Muskegon, Michigan—a sweet little lakeside town in West Michigan. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by my parents’ sense of style. My mother’s sewing and my father’s knack for shopping for fine clothes profoundly influenced my fashion sense. Their style and skill in dressing beautifully laid the foundation for my passion for fashion, shaping me into the fashionista, author, business woman I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love to create things.

At Art to Ware, my sustainable fashion boutique, we are passionate about transforming fashion into something both beautiful and with longivity. What sets us apart is our commitment to upcycling—one-of-a-kind garments that carry both a story and a reduced environmental footprint. When I have time, I get to make things to sell at the store it’s my favorite thing to do.

In addition to my role at Art to Ware, I am also an author. I have written 5 books about sewing, fashion and style for youth. Writing has given me a platform to share my insights and experiences with a broader audience, further influencing the fashion industry towards sustainable practices.

I want to write more and make more in the years to come. I believe my best work is ahead of me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting and I wanted to show them a fantastic time, we would definitely spend a day in Soho, (New York). Despite my wild schedule, sharing this vibrant area with a friend would be ‘sew’ fun. Soho captures the essence of my dreams and ambitions, especially as I envision opening another store there one day for my brand, Art to Ware!

Our day would start with a delightful lunch at the chic French bistro on Broome Street, with amazing people wacthing, indulging in some exquisite cuisine. Afterward, we’d walk around to feel the creative pulse of the area—window shopping, gathering inspiration, and dreaming about future endeavors for Art to Ware. Soho, with its artistic flair and fashion-forward scene, offers endless inspiration and a glimpse into the potential future home of our next shop – because anything is possible!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For sure, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a wealth of mentors and supporters throughout my life—it’s tough to name them all without leaving someone out! Besides the invaluable influence of my parents, the various communities I’ve been a part of have consistently recognized and nurtured my talents! This has allowed me to flourish and seize some truly remarkable opportunities. Each place I’ve called ‘home’ has contributed to my growth and success. While it would take a considerable amount of time to list everyone, I am deeply grateful to each person who has played a part in my journey.

Website: www.arttoware.com

Instagram: @arttoware / @creativecookie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-to-ware

Twitter: @creativecookie

Youtube: /Lesley Ware

Image Credits
Rohit Venkatraman

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