January 2, 2026 · Alabama ChaninFROM INTERN TO MAKER: HOW WE'RE TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
Full Circle.
Cyerra Latham grew up in Florence, Alabama, and moved to Atlanta to study fashion at SCAD. There, she connected with Closely Crafted—whose board proudly includes Natalie Chanin—an organization that strives to revitalize craft in the U.S. through industry commitment and workforce development. With the help of a grant from Closely Crafted, she landed an internship in an unlikely place: her hometown.
“I wanted to go to New York. I wanted to jump into a city scene. But after the first week of my internship with Project Threadways, I told my parents I could see myself staying here.”
Cyerra worked as a Project Threadways intern for three months this year, training in every part of the production process, from cutting and construction to hand-sewing and embroidery. She sewed one of the sample pieces that went to Paris Fashion Week in October (find the current Collection here). Along the way, she learned more about sustainable and zero-waste practices, including ways to use fabric scraps.
Today, Cyerra works full-time for Project Threadways as a production coordinator and design assistant.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me. Six months after graduation, I’m managing a production studio. I’m thinking about projects I can incorporate into my personal work. After making my first collection at SCAD, I’m interested in making another. My long-term goal is to have my own production manufacturing place in the South or in the U.S. where I’m producing for creative people.”
In The Maker Lab in downtown Florence, Project Threadways can train more apprentices in handcraft skills—skills once passed down through generations of families in this region and around the globe. This internship program preserves local knowledge and culture; educates emerging artisans in thoughtful, sustainable design practices; and paves a career path in our region for talented young people.
A donation of any size helps Project Threadways train young makers like Cyerra, in addition to local high school students, and continue to grow this program. Give now to help shape the future of fashion and textiles.
share +