Today we’d like to introduce you to Raeven K. Harris
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
To understand why I teach sewing and fashion, you have to understand where my journey began. It doesn’t start with me—it starts with my grandmother, Isabell.
Growing up in rural Alabama, sewing was a necessity for her. As a Black woman raising six children in the deep South, she didn’t have the luxury of buying fancy clothes, so she made them. She learned from her own mother, passing down a skill that allowed her to provide for her family, breathe new life into old garments, and create something beautiful despite their financial hardships. For her, sewing wasn’t just a craft—it was survival, resourcefulness, and dignity.
I must have been four or five the first time I saw her sew, and I was mesmerized. The idea that you could create something from nothing felt like magic. I begged for a needle and thread, and while I don’t remember what I made that day, I remember the feeling: this was something I was meant to do. By seven, I had my first sewing machine—customized so I couldn’t run it at top speed (my mother feared for my fingers). From there, I spent every summer with my grandmother, learning everything she knew. When we reached the limits of her knowledge, she told my mother it was time for me to take lessons.
Those lessons, and the teachers who guided me, shaped the way I teach today. The best teachers were patient and encouraging, helping me grow at my own pace. The worst were dismissive, making me feel like I didn’t belong. But even they taught me something valuable: resilience. When people doubted me, I worked even harder. When they said I couldn’t, I proved them wrong.
That mindset carried me to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), my dream school and the only college I applied to. I was told I wouldn’t get in, that I didn’t have the portfolio or experience. I was accepted with academic and artistic scholarships. While there, I learned that technical skills are important, but the real key to success is having a community that supports and encourages growth. That belief became the foundation for what I built next.
That’s Sew Austin is more than a sewing studio—it’s a third space. In a world where we spend most of our time at home or work, having a third place where we can be ourselves, build connections, and engage in creativity is more important than ever. Not everyone has access to a dedicated creative space at home, and traditional classrooms or online tutorials don’t always provide the support and camaraderie that make learning enjoyable. That’s Sew Austin exists to fill that gap—offering not just sewing education, but a welcoming environment where people can connect, unwind, and create together.
Sewing is a skill, yes—but it’s also a form of empowerment. That’s Sew Austin was born from my desire to create a space where anyone, regardless of experience, could learn, grow, and create without fear of failure. I know sewing doesn’t come easily for everyone. My goal is to make it approachable, to teach not just techniques but the confidence to push through challenges. Seeing my students light up when they complete a project, hearing them proudly tell me how they applied what they’ve learned—that’s why I do this.
Fashion and sewing are about more than just making clothes. They’re about creativity, resilience, and community. That’s Sew Austin isn’t just a place to sew—it’s a place to belong.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. Building That’s Sew Austin has been a journey full of challenges, but each obstacle has shaped the space into what it is today.
One of the biggest struggles was simply getting started—finding the right space, gathering the necessary equipment, and making sure it was accessible to the people I wanted to serve. Sewing studios aren’t as common as other creative spaces like art studios or coworking hubs, so I had to figure out what worked through trial and error.
Another challenge has been changing the perception of sewing. Many people assume sewing is either too expensive, too complicated, or just a hobby for a specific group of people. I wanted to break those barriers and show that sewing is for everyone, no matter their background, skill level, or goals. That’s why I’ve worked hard to make That’s Sew Austin an inviting, inclusive space where people feel encouraged rather than intimidated.
Running a community-driven space also comes with the challenge of balancing accessibility with sustainability. I want classes and memberships to be affordable while still ensuring the studio can thrive. That’s meant getting creative with pricing models, collaborations, and events that keep the space financially viable while remaining welcoming.
And then, four months into opening the studio, everything stopped.
Within two weeks, I suffered the unimaginable loss of my dog, Cha Cha, and my little brother, Z.J. The grief was overwhelming, and I had no choice but to step away from the studio to try to process it all. But in that time, That’s Sew Austin rallied around me in ways I can’t even explain. The community I had built—this space I had created for others—became a space of comfort and healing for me. People showed up with support, patience, and kindness, reminding me that this wasn’t just a business. It was something much deeper.
Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Seeing people walk into the studio, gain confidence in their skills, and leave feeling accomplished makes every hardship worth it. That’s Sew Austin isn’t just about sewing—it’s about providing a creative third space where people can learn, connect, and grow. That mission keeps me pushing forward, no matter the roadblocks.
As you know, we’re big fans of That’s Sew Austin. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What You Should Know
That’s Sew Austin is more than just a sewing studio—it’s a creative third space where people can learn, connect, and grow through the art of sewing. We specialize in making sewing accessible, welcoming, and fun for all skill levels, whether someone is picking up a needle for the first time or diving into intricate couture projects.
We offer:
✨ One on One Classes – Hands-on learning for beginners, experienced sewists, and everyone in between.
✨ Studio Memberships – A space where sewists can use high-quality machines and tools in a community-driven environment.
✨ Community Events – Themed sewing nights like Woven Wednesday (all about textiles), Threadful Thursday (sewing troubleshooting), and Sew Fancy Friday (advanced projects).
✨ Internships & Skill-Building Opportunities – Helping people develop real-world skills in sewing, fashion, and even small business operations.
✨ Pattern Printing Services – Making it easier for members to bring their sewing visions to life.
What Sets Us Apart?
A True Third Space – In today’s world, where people often feel stuck between home and work, That’s Sew Austin offers a welcoming space where creativity thrives, friendships form, and people can simply exist without pressure. Whether someone is here to sew, socialize, or unwind, the studio is designed to feel like home.
Inclusivity & Accessibility – Many people assume sewing is expensive, complicated, or something only a certain type of person does. We actively break down those barriers by offering affordable classes, flexible membership options, and a space where everyone feels welcome.
Community Over Competition – Sewing can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our goal is to create a space where people learn together, support each other, and celebrate creativity, rather than worrying about perfection.
A Deeply Personal Mission – This business is built on legacy, resilience, and love. It started with my grandmother’s teachings and grew into something much bigger than myself. After experiencing profound personal loss, I saw firsthand how this community could lift each other up in ways that go beyond sewing. That sense of connection is what makes That’s Sew Austin so special.
What We’re Most Proud of Brand-Wise
I’m incredibly proud that That’s Sew Austin has become a place where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. We’ve built something that’s not just a business—it’s a community that supports each other, whether it’s through sewing challenges or life’s toughest moments. Seeing people light up when they finish a project, watching them find confidence in their skills, and knowing this space has given them something meaningful—that’s what makes it all worth it.
What We Want Readers to Know
If you’ve ever wanted to sew, create, or just have a space to explore your creativity, you belong here. That’s Sew Austin is for anyone who has ever looked at a piece of fabric and thought, “I wonder if I could make something with this.” The answer is yes, you can. And we’re here to help you do it.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers, profits, or recognition—it’s about impact.
At That’s Sew Austin, success looks like:
A beginner walking in, intimidated by a sewing machine, and leaving with something they made themselves.
A community member finding confidence in their creativity and realizing they can learn this skill.
Someone using the studio as their creative escape, a safe space where they can relax, create, and connect.
Watching students support each other, celebrate their wins, and embrace the learning process without fear of failure.
Success is about creating something bigger than myself—a space that continues to inspire, empower, and uplift people, even when I step away. It’s about making sewing accessible, inclusive, and joyful in a way that reaches beyond the studio walls.
On a personal level, I define success as staying true to my purpose—honoring my grandmother’s legacy, sharing my love of sewing, and making sure that no one who walks through the doors of That’s Sew Austin feels like they don’t belong. If I can do that, then I know I’m on the right path.
Pricing:
- Level 3 Membership $185 Per Month 3 Hours of Private Sewing Classes 6 Hours of Studio Time 8 Helpline Calls In Studio Event and Meetup Access 15% Off Additional Time Blocks Free Coffee Bar and Snacks
- Level 2 Membership $125 Per Month 2 Hours of Private Sewing Classes 4 Hours of Studio Time 6 Helpline Calls In Studio Event and Meetup Access 10% Off Time Blocks Free Coffee Bar and Snacks
- Level 1 Membership $65 Per Month 1 Hour of Private Sewing Class 2 Hours of Studio Time 4 Helpline Calls In Studio Event and Meetup Access 5% Off Time Blocks Free Coffee Bar and Snacks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thats-sew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatssewaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatsSewAustin/?utm_campaign=social_link_list&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=thatssewaustin
