Shawnelle Cherry – Founder & Lead Instructor, Future Fashion Designers

Hi, I’m Shawnelle Cherry, a costume designer turned fashion sewing mentor! I "accidentally" moved to Mooresville, NC, in 2009 when the film industry slowed down, and I’ve been here ever since—turns out, I love it.

Before launching Future Fashion Designers Academy, I designed over 30 films, specializing in comedy, and became a proud member of the Costume Designers Guild (Local 892) in 2003. My career started in Hollywood, where I created custom evening gowns for the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and a fabulous lineup of soap opera stars.

What was supposed to be a temporary move turned into 15 years of inspiring young designers through hands-on classes, quirky fashion shows (Mac & Cheese Cook-Off, anyone?), and creative sewing memberships like Project Sew Way. I now share my passion through my YouTube channel, Sew Shawnelle and Sew on the Road and online courses to help my students learn more.

Currently, I’m writing a book about my all-time favorite skirt – the Rosie. Simple, stylish, and endlessly versatile. And a blog series "Obviously Not Off The Rack" to inspire fashion sewists to be more creative with their sewing projects.

 I love helping others chase their fashion dreams because success isn’t luck; it’s preparation meeting opportunity!