Contrary to popular belief, sewing isn’t a long-lost art reserved for our grandmothers.
In fact, there’s a growing trend to learn the craft, and local business owner KoKo Monroe is doing her part to share her knowledge with the community.
Fashion was woven into Monroe’s childhood. Her aunt made clothes for her family, while her uncle worked as a tailor.
Creativity and craftsmanship surrounded her from an early age. Monroe says her aunt often recalls that even as a child she insisted on styling herself with confidence and personality — a sign that fashion would eventually become her career.
“Looking back now, I truly believe fashion was in my blood from the very beginning,” she said.
Monroe’s interest in sewing took hold during her sophomore year of high school. In one class assignment, students were asked to make teddy bears. She designed hers in denim with orange and royal blue jersey fabric inspired by the New York Knicks. The project attracted so much attention that an assistant principal wanted to buy it, resulting in Monroe’s first sale.
“It wasn’t about the amount of money; it was the moment I realized my creativity and vision had real value,” she recalled.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Monroe attended Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School, where she majored in fashion design.
Monroe said sewing has appeal because it’s a blend of creativity, practicality, and mindfulness. “It allows people to create pieces that fit perfectly, express their individuality, and step away from the cycle of fast fashion by making quality, long-lasting garments. Sewing is also incredibly therapeutic; the process itself can be calming, meditative and deeply rewarding,” she said.
Although home economics classes have largely disappeared from schools, Monroe believes sewing is experiencing a “powerful revival,” particularly among younger people. She sees the craft as more than a creative outlet; it teaches patience, self-reliance, confidence and sustainability while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
“What was once viewed as a necessity has now become an intentional and empowering form of self-expression,” she said. “By passing down these skills, I’m not just teaching kids how to sew — I’m teaching self-reliance, patience, creative confidence, and sustainability. Keeping these traditions alive ensures that quality craftsmanship and ethical fashion continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Monroe does so through her 1,200-square-foot VIIXVII Sewing Studio, which accommodates both custom design work and sewing instruction. The name is a tribute to her son, whose birthdate is 7/17, written in Roman numerals (and how you pronounce “VIIXVII”).
Monroe signed the lease for VIIXVII Sewing Studio just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses across the country. Rather than abandon her vision, she adapted her business model while balancing entrepreneurship with raising her young son as a single mother.
“My greatest accomplishment has been creating a life rooted in resilience, purpose, and determination,” she said.
Since opening in January 2021, Monroe has built a business specializing in custom gowns and high-end alterations. She offers alterations such as hems, waist adjustments, tapering, resizing, and garment reconstruction.
“Prom season is by far our busiest time of year and truly tests our creativity, efficiency, and teamwork,” says Monroe, who handles custom formalwear design and detailed alterations on tight timelines. This year, the most requested styles included dresses with intricate, beaded fabrics, corset-style gowns, and fitted silhouettes.
Monroe also offers sewing classes for kids and adults, such as beginner-friendly tote-bag workshops, apron-making, and pajama-pants classes.
Monroe says parents frequently tell her their children’s confidence grows as they complete projects and wear garments they’ve made themselves. She believes sewing resonates with young people because it offers a creative outlet in a world dominated by mass-produced clothing and screens.
“There’s an incredible sense of pride that comes from turning a simple piece of fabric into something wearable,” she said.
When she has time outside of the studio, Monroe and her son spend time at Fishtown Recreation Center, where he has been taking swim lessons, and he also recently started playing soccer.
They’ve also been dedicating time to their newest venture, a fashion-themed dessert shop called Kouture Sweets Kollection, which will be opening soon. Offerings will include quality water ice, ice cream, cinnamon rolls, brownies, banana pudding, and cookies. Monroe’s goal is to create “a fun, stylish destination where families, friends, and neighbors can gather and enjoy something special.”
Monroe says spending time with her son remains her priority despite the demands of running multiple businesses. Whether they’re cooking, playing games or talking about their week, she tries to be fully present.
“That balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship,” she said, “continues to inspire everything I do.”
