Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilonka Soto-Pelyvas
Hi Ilonka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Journey with ASFD
My exciting journey with the Austin School of Fashion Design (ASFD) began in 2016, when, after serving as an instructor, I was given the opportunity to make the school my own. Following the 2016 summer camp, we launched the Academy for Young Designers—an exclusive, year-round program that has been thriving ever since. This program gives children and teens the chance to bring their first designs to life through a complete, hands-on process. From sketching their ideas on paper to pattern-making, fabric selection, cutting, sewing, and perfecting their final projects, students experience every step of the creative journey.
Each year, we celebrate their achievements with our signature #ASFD fashion event. This spectacular runway show transforms our young designers into supermodels and features live DJ performances alongside the incredible work of our talented makeup and hair production teams.
Over the years, our fashion events have grown into unforgettable experiences. We’ve hosted them in remarkable venues like the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Statesman Newspaper headquarters. Although we’ve collaborated with Austin Fashion Week in the past, we chose to take a more independent approach to showcase the extraordinary talent of our students. This decision allowed us to focus on nurturing our community of young designers and highlighting their potential.
Transforming ASFD
When I took over ASFD, the school primarily catered to adults and college students. My vision was to create opportunities for younger students to shine. I quickly realized how grateful parents were for the creative outlet we provided their children through our summer camps and year-round programs.
Our Summer Camps have evolved into immersive, one-week adventures where kids form bonds with the sewing machine, design their own creations, and learn to DJ. The week culminates in a fabulous Friday fashion show—a grand event filled with music, lights, and celebration. It’s more than a show; it’s a vibrant party that showcases their creativity and achievements.
My Background
Growing up in Chile, South America, with half of my family hailing from Hungary, I was an artistic child from an early age. My family nurtured my creative passions, and I earned a scholarship to attend Fashion Design School at INACAP Chile, a renowned professional college in Santiago. There, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Pattern-Making Design.
I hold fond memories of my grandmothers, whose influence shaped my upbringing. They surrounded me with an inspiring environment filled with leather, fur, and sewing machines, which sparked my lifelong love for fashion and design.
In the 1990s, I lived in New York City, immersing myself in the vibrant club scene and its unique fashion while absorbing the city’s rich cosmopolitan culture, music, museums, and fabric shopping experiences. Afterward, I moved to Dallas, TX, and finally settled in Austin, TX, in 2010. Austin’s dynamic and lively atmosphere has been the perfect place to fully dedicate myself to fashion and costume design.
Looking Ahead
Becoming a businesswoman was a thrilling new chapter for me. I already knew I was an artist and designer, but discovering myself as a teacher and entrepreneur has been an unexpected and rewarding journey.
The upcoming Summer of 2025 will mark my 10th summer season at ASFD, and I’m incredibly excited to see what new opportunities and directions await as we continue to grow and inspire future generations of designers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The pandemic brought an unprecedented level of survival and transformation for our business—something I never believed possible. It was far from smooth! We had to leave our studio and relocate to Georgetown, TX, where the team at Wolf Ranch Shopping Mall generously supported us during those challenging times. Their support not only helped sustain our school but also introduced a new, family-oriented activity to their community.
We operated in Georgetown for a couple of years, but knowing that our primary market was in Austin, we eventually moved back to a more central location. Today, we’re proudly based at the Gateway Shopping Center, at the intersection of 183 and 360. This location has been wonderful for us, offering a spacious studio, plenty of free parking, and easy accessibility for our community.
Lessons from 2020
The year 2020 was the hardest experience I’ve faced as a business owner. Yet, looking back, I feel incredibly grateful that we endured and adapted. Our approach to hosting many classes and events evolved into a more flexible model designed to make parents’ lives easier.
During our time in Georgetown, we were deeply touched by the unwavering support of our community. Despite the far drive north, our loyal families continued to join us, with most attendance concentrating around Saturdays. This resilience and dedication kept us going.
In many ways, the pandemic brought about changes that remain a part of our reality today, reshaping how we operate and connect with our students and their families.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Austin school of fashion – ASFD ?
We are a unique fashion and sewing school specializing in nurturing creativity across all age groups, including children, teens, college-prep students, and adults pursuing their passion for fashion design.
Every summer, we welcome a vibrant community of kids aged 7 to 14 for our exciting week-long camps. During this immersive experience, they learn essential skills like sewing, fashion illustration, and even how to DJ, making it a season of creativity, fun, and unforgettable memories.
We are deeply fashion-oriented and proud to provide sophisticated Bernina sewing machines, known for their Swiss engineering and exceptional quality. Beyond teaching sewing skills, we offer a complete fashion experience that’s both fun and immersive.
Our exciting Runway events includes modeling, makeup, hairstyling, with photography and videography, as well, which is a highlight of our summer camps and a key feature of our year-round activities. This comprehensive journey allows students to explore every aspect of the fashion world while creating unforgettable memories.
Our Main Programs:
Academy for Young Designers
Summer Weekly Camps
DJ Classes
Private Tutoring for All Ages
College Prep
Fashionista Birthday Parties
DJ Birthday Parties
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I first arrived in Austin many years ago, I immersed myself in various non-profit events and met many interesting people along the way. It was a wonderful and incredibly productive experience. Volunteering is truly a powerful way to give back while also gaining so much more than expected in return.
Pricing:
- We have convenient packages of hours designed to save more when you buy more.
- We have very flexible classes so you will not lose your investment.
- We offer an Insurance that protects your investment for all classes all year long.
- Prepay your classes and camps and save.
- Prices go from $50 to $1900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Austinschooloffashion.com
- Instagram: @Austinschooloffashion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinSchoolFashionDesign
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z-n35OB_CY
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-school-of-fashion-design-austin-7
- Other: https://sewingsummercamp.com/
Image Credits
Brenda Roman Alvarez – Make Up Artist
Gregory Lara – Urban Gypsy Hair Salon
Rudy Ximenez – Photographer/Videographer
Tony Kawashima – Photographer
Victor Dinaire – DJ Instructor
