Business Notes

Crafting HerFuture

By Drew Gieseke Photo by Helloimtoriii Photography

ALadue High School alumna used her lifelong love of sewing to launch a nonprofit during the COVID-19 pandemic dedicated to teaching sewing skills to both children and adults.

The organization, known as The ORD Academy, operates as the parent company of CraftAcademy.org. This resource debuted in August and acts as a virtual classroom where participants can connect with instructors to learn the ins and outs of sewing and crafting – all at their own pace and in their own space.

“During the lockdowns, I noticed how many people wanted to learn these skills but could not because of accessibility,” founder Olivia Davis says. “Accessibility issues are not unique to COVID times. It could be a busy schedule, lack of driving, a disability, location or anything, and I wanted this website to be inclusive and allow everyone to develop these skills.”

CraftAcademy.org uses multiple camera angles, slideshows and demonstrations to offer live instruction to students. Lessons are customized to each participant to ensure they’re learning how to create what they want to create, within their skillset. Davis says that she and her team of skilled instructors are still developing programs, but she’s especially excited to create an offering for youth to learn about entrepreneurship.

“My goal is to make it an after-school program that gives kids good life skills by way of learning sewing, crafting and entrepreneurial concepts,” Davis says.

Davis’ own entrepreneurial journey began in high school when she founded a fashion club for students. This marked the beginning of an already fruitful career for the 24-year-old, who says she’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

“I would create garments in high school and sell them to students and even a few teachers,” Davis notes. “Looking at people who use or wear something I created gives me a sense of purpose and drive. I think the most basic things that improve or change someone’s life, even in a small way, are important.”

Eventually, Davis launched her own fashion line out of the City Sewing Room in Lindenwood Park. She kicked this off alongside The ORD Academy, but when the pandemic hit in 2020, Davis shifted her approach online. She received a grant from the BALSA Foundation – which provides seed funding to first-time entrepreneurs in the St. Louis area – and used the money to kick off CraftAcademy.org.

“The BALSA Foundation really provided a space of growth and, of course, the financial help to start moving forward,” Davis says. “All of the entrepreneurs who spoke with us were inspiring, and it made me want to create something people can really use and benefit from.”

In the fall of 2022, CraftAcademy.org also received a grant from Google Ads to help reach more students.

“I am 100 percent focused on CraftAcademy.org right now,” she says. “It combines so many of my personal passions: sewing, teaching and nonprofit work. I am giving myself time to grow this venture so it can help people as much as possible.” ln