FAQS

General Program Info

  • Students must be Black or African descent and high school upperclassmen or early university students.

  • Our mentorship program is currently designed for high school upperclassmen and early university students, typically between the ages of 16 and 20. If you are slightly outside of this range but feel the program is a strong fit, we still encourage you to reach out.

  • No, there is no cost to participate. Our program is designed to remain free of charge.

  • No, our program is entirely virtual, so participants from both the U.S. and other countries are welcome. Please note that all 1:1, group sessions and live courses are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time (EST), so be sure to account for time zone differences.

Application Process

  • Our next cohort is scheduled to begin in June 2026. Registration is currently closed.

  • When registration opens again, students may request an application by emailing info@hemsandbrims.com.

    The application will require a recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor, or employer, along with a 3–5 paragraph essay explaining your interests and goals.

  • For those who'd like to prepare early, below are the essay prompts you can choose from to complete your application.

    Essays must be 3–5 paragraphs in length:

    • Describe a challenge you've faced and how it shaped your personal growth or aspirations in pursuing a career in fashion.

    • How do you think participating in Hems & Brims will help you achieve your goals, and what do you hope to learn from the experience?

    • How do you see yourself contributing to the industry in the future?

  • Yes, you are welcome to reapply for future cohorts. We encourage applicants to use feedback from your previous application to strengthen your next submission.

For Current Accepted Students

  • Congratulations on your acceptance! We're excited to welcome you to Hems & Brims. We've made the decision to move the cohort start date from March to June 2026 to enhance the program experience through strategic partnerships with schools, universities and organizations. Your spot is guaranteed and no need to reapply. You'll receive a separate email with details about next steps and how to confirm your participation.

  • We're finalizing partnerships with schools, universities and organizations that will significantly enhance the program experience and create a stronger community for our students. While we know the wait is unexpected, we believe this decision will result in a more impactful experience for all students.

  • We'll be sending monthly updates with exclusive content, program developments, and opportunities to connect with fellow accepted students. You'll also have priority access to any workshops or events we host between now and the program start date.

  • If you're unable to participate in the Summer/Fall 2026 cohort, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@hemsandbrims.com. We'll work with you to explore options for future cohorts.

  • Yes, please contact us at info@hemsandbrims.com to discuss deferral options. We want to ensure you can participate when it works best for you.

Program Structure

  • Our 6-month program requires approximately 60 hours total. Here's a breakdown:

    • Months 1-2 | 4 hrs/week × 8 weeks = 32 hours

    • Month 3 | Group Sessions: 2 hrs/week × 5 weeks = 10 hours

    • Months 4-5 | 1:1 Sessions: 1 hr/week × 9 weeks = 9 hours

    • Month 6 | Career Readiness Month: 5+ hours total

    Note: Hours may vary slightly depending on the number of weeks in each month. This does not include time spent on self-paced courses or any internship or volunteer opportunities that may be presented.

    • June - July: Courses | Saturdays and Sundays, scheduled 9 AM - 11 AM EST or 12 PM - 2 PM EST

    • August: Group Sessions | Sundays, scheduled 9 AM - 11 AM EST or 12 PM - 2 PM EST

    • September - October: 1:1 Mentor Sessions | 1 hour session scheduled weekly, based on mentor/mentee's availability

    • November: Career Readiness | A series of virtual events including workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking events. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony

  • Full participation is highly encouraged to ensure the best experience and outcomes. If you anticipate scheduling conflicts, please notify us during the application process. We will assess whether accommodations are possible. However, consistent engagement is critical to fully benefit from the program.

  • We record all sessions to ensure the program runs smoothly and maintains a high standard of quality. Recordings also provide a valuable resource for students who request access, allowing them to revisit sessions for clarification, review, or further learning. These recordings are securely stored and are only accessible to authorized program staff and students who request them.

Mentorship & Support

  • Once accepted into Hems & Brims, you will complete a detailed questionnaire and availability form. This information helps us match you with a mentor who aligns with your goals, interests, and schedule. Providing thorough and accurate details ensures the best possible match.

  • Mentors provide personalized guidance through weekly 1:1 sessions. They will assess your needs and tailor a plan to help you achieve your goals. We also encourage mentees and mentors to maintain connections beyond their time with Hems & Brims.

  • Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion and join our alumni network. Alumni gain access to exclusive opportunities including priority consideration to return as mentors in future cohorts, continued access to networking events and workshops, and ongoing career support.

  • We provide ongoing resources such as virtual workshops, networking events, and guest speaking sessions. Additionally, we maintain communication with alumni to share new opportunities and support.

Financial Support & Donations

  • We plan to offer scholarships in the near future to support transportation to internships, educational expenses, or other professional development opportunities.

  • Yes! Donations help us continue providing free mentorship and resources to Black creatives pursuing careers in fashion. You can donate directly or support us through Black Fashion Legacy, our initiative dedicated to preserving and teaching Black fashion history.

  • Yes, donations are tax-deductible. Hems & Brims is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

  • Donations support our free programming, student resources (sewing machines, kits, and materials), curriculum development, workshops, networking events, and the tools students need to build sustainable careers in fashion.

Get Involved

  • Follow us on social media at @hemsandbrims across all platforms, and check our blog regularly for updates, announcements, and other important information.

  • You can support us by purchasing from Black Fashion Legacy, spreading the word about our programs, attending our events, or sharing opportunities with students who might benefit from our mentorship program.

  • Yes! We welcome professionals interested in becoming mentors and individuals who want to support our mission in other ways. Please email info@hemsandbrims.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

  • Yes, we're always interested in partnerships with schools, universities, organizations, and companies that share our commitment to creating pathways for Black creatives in fashion. Please reach out to info@hemsandbrims.com to discuss partnership opportunities.