BIO

A Kansas native, TISSU Founder Nina Winter graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts in Fashion Design & Merchandising (2011) from the Academy of Art University - San Francisco. Her time studying in San Francisco was a turning point in her fashion career, as the sustainable & eco-conscious city opened her eyes to the industry's harmful contributions: textile waste, inhumane working conditions, greed, ego, EXCESS. As a result, Nina started her own indie fashion labels HAIKU (bohemian-inspired handmade apparel) & TISSU ArtWear (Modern Victorian, small batch fashion) to encourage fashion-conscious consumers to think twice about the effects of FAST FASHION - fashion that is unethical, inhumane, cheap, quickly discarded & sold in large quantities (with unrealistic designing, buying & purchasing cycles). Not to mention profit over people & planet.

Her passion for the Slow Fashion Movement & love of everything handmade led her to create TISSU Sewing Studio in 2014, a charming & inspiring "sew space" based in Wichita, KS. Students of all ages can learn how to sew, design & upcycle their own garments, create a fashion collection and/or recreate favorite wardrobe pieces. Or just sew to mend their minds & hearts daily. Most importantly, she encourages her students to embrace the creative process as a mindfulness tool. Locals & visitors alike are encouraged to take a much needed break - from their phones, social media, technology, stresses of modern living - in order to reconnect with their imagination & innate creativity. Her goal is to inspire & empower a new generation, through the art of dreaming, making, & creating the life (and garments) of your dreams!

Nina credits the greatest movie ever made, The Wizard of Oz, as her timeless source of inspiration. With its beloved characters, prismatic hues & heartfelt storytelling, its simple message still rings true today:  Dreams really do come true.

In her spare time, Nina enjoys MOKKO-ing (her plant-based cooking classes & catering at MOKKO Cuisine), making, mentoring & spreading magic & joy!