SoHarlem, Inc.

SoHarlem, Inc. We incubate creative entrepreneurs, mentor emerging designers and train local residents. SoHarlem Inc.

is a not-for-profit organization that unites a mix of individuals, dedicated to the support and development of the Manhattanville Factory District by embracing the people, culture, and essence of West Harlem. We lead sustainability initiatives through the combined efforts of our funders, public officials, volunteers, creative entrepreneurs, and (etc.). Through a continuous effort of community outr

each, workforce creation and incubation, SoHarlem Inc. invests in individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering talent in the community and the development of the Manhattanville Factory District. relies on a system of respect, inclusivity, collaboration, and transparency as its backbone. Our dedication to preserving the integrity and livelihood of each individual within SoHarlem, allows us to open our doors to investors, creators, collaborators, and individuals who seek to invest in the development of their community. is a Designers’ Studio in Harlem serving as an incubator for fashion designers, and training for the Harlem community. Our mission is to support racial equity and employment in Harlem by incubating creative enterprises that incorporate sustainable business models. Over the past twelve years, SoHarlem has launched more than 20 successful micro-businesses comprising everything from custom-made, couture garments to fashion accessories and face masks. Our Creative Entrepreneurs include Olivia Smashum, Javier Valencia, Henry Smith, Gladys Perez; Donna Drew, Tammy Echols, Jacqueline Puello-Raboy and our Designers’ Apprentices include Noah Joseph, Andres Biel, Roseyln Grullon, Tre Milan, Walter Dixon, and Teyah Moore. SoHarlem’s Creative Economy Training Institute is open to under and unemployed local residents, at no cost to them. Participants receive workforce training on the fundamentals of sewing and are placed to work in the fashion industry. SoHarlem’s Principal Trainer and Creative Entrepreneur, Henry Smith also offers sewing classes to the general public. Participants learn sewing at a technical level to expand their creative knowledge as well as help developing their designs.

From our table to yours. Completed work is part of Olivia Smashum’s Blue Olive Resort home goods.
08/18/2026

From our table to yours. Completed work is part of Olivia Smashum’s Blue Olive Resort home goods.

08/18/2026

In 2025, Patricia Michaels ( Patricia Michaels ) moved to Harlem to teach fashion and textiles at Parsons School of Design. Over the last four decades, she has lived in the city at various points during every decade; New York continually calls her back, serving as the creative base where she works to move the needle on the collective understanding of Native American fashion.

As a proud native of Taos Pueblo, she serves as the CEO of PMWATERLILY DESIGNS. A graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Patricia honed her craft apprenticing with a tailor in Italy. Her acclaimed costume designs have graced the stages of the Santa Fe Opera and the Kennedy Center with the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.

A celebrated cultural figure, her accolades include the Smithsonian’s NMAI Arts and Design Award, the New Mexico Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the New Mexico Museums’ Living Treasures Award. She is also a fierce activist, supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR), Community Against Violence, and cultural preservation.

First rising to national prominence as the first runner-up on Project Runway Season 11 (and later returning for All Stars), Patricia’s haute couture has since been showcased at New York Fashion Week, the Santa Fe Indian Market, and global runways from Johannesburg to Geneva. Her work is regularly featured in Vogue, WWD, and The New York Times.
 
Most recently, Patricia made waves at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, dressing actress Tantoo Cardinal for the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon in a magnificent custom gown featuring her signature eagle feather design.

FashionWeekAtSoHarlem

Work in progress.
08/18/2026

Work in progress.

08/11/2026

It was great having Dean be part of SoHarlem’s Dream Connection for Young Entrepreneurs.

Everything in our SoHarlem shop is hand made on the premises by our Creative Entrepreneurs. Visit our website to learn m...
08/11/2026

Everything in our SoHarlem shop is hand made on the premises by our Creative Entrepreneurs. Visit our website to learn more about each of them!

Did you know? The cushion seating Plowshares Coffee is custom made using their coffee bags? Meet SoHarlem Apprentice Ne...
08/11/2026

Did you know? The cushion seating Plowshares Coffee is custom made using their coffee bags? Meet SoHarlem Apprentice Nelvin De La Rosa. He has been been custom making a few of PlowShares Coffee seat cushions this summer.

or Learn to Sew!Featured bag was custom made by one of SoHarlem’s Creative Entrepreneurs, Gladys Perez is available fo...
08/11/2026

or Learn to Sew!

Featured bag was custom made by one of SoHarlem’s Creative Entrepreneurs, Gladys Perez is available for purchase on our shop.

Do you want to learn to sew? How to make a similar bag? SoHarlem’s sewing instructors provide personalized, one-on-one guidance and care.

Individualized 3-hour sessions are available:
* Thursdays between 12PM-7PM
* Cost $150

To receive registration information, please send an email to [email protected] letting us know what day and time you wish to sign up for or call us at 212-222-2792.

Please note the fee for sewing instruction is nonrefundable.

08/11/2026

SoHarlem is so proud of our Teaching Apprentice and the work she has been doing this summer with DREAM! students interested in fashion!

Interested in Learning How To Sew?Individualized 3 Hour sessions are offered Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday between 11AM-...
08/10/2026

Interested in Learning How To Sew?
Individualized 3 Hour sessions are offered
Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday between 11AM-4PM & Thursdays between 1PM-7PM.
Cost: $150

If you are interested in booking a session, please indicate which day(s) you would like to attend.

To receive registration information, please reply by sending an email to [email protected] or call us at 212-222-2792.

Please note the fee for sewing instruction is non-refundable.
https://www.soharlem.org/sewing-instruction

SoHarlem was honored to have Andres Biel ( IFLY UNIVERSE ) and his Henry Street Settlement Rambler students visit SoHar...
08/03/2026

SoHarlem was honored to have Andres Biel ( IFLY UNIVERSE ) and his Henry Street Settlement Rambler students visit SoHarlem!

Rambler Studios, a youth fashion-design program based in Amsterdam and Berlin, has collaborated with Henry Street Settlement since 2020 to unleash the talent and creativity of low-income youth through fashion design. Students learn about working in a professional studio while gaining the self-esteem that comes from seeing their designs turned into clothing styles, and even earning income from the sale of their work.

Set in Abrons Arts Center, this program offers young New Yorkers a platform to challenge themselves and dive into the raw, expressive world of street fashion. Through design, making, and storytelling, Ramblers explore their style, who they are, and who they want to become.

Address

1361 Amsterdam Avenue @ West 126 Street, Suite 340
New York, NY
10027

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 1pm - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(212) 222-2792

Website

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