NJ teen heads to FIT as she follows grandmother’s legacy

For Asian Pacific American
Heritage Month, News 12’s Nick Meidanis has the story of a New
Jersey teenager with fashion in her blood.

Eighteen-12 months-aged Kayla Santos
taught herself how to sew, but now it is far more of a passion.

“The first COVID lockdown it all started out, I was just stitching continuously and I
form of just grew,” says Kayla.

But she’s often had an eye for fashion, authoring the basics of dressing up
prior to she could even spell shirt. Turns out it is in her blood, thanks to her
grandma.

Her title is Esterlita Santos. She ran her very own small business in the Philippines. They
never ever obtained the prospect to meet but Kayla read stories, and a thing clicked.

“There’s like a reason that I’m like so into this that I must undoubtedly want
to pursue that in the upcoming,” claims Kayla.

There’s an additional individual who helped Kayla reach the following amount — her artwork
trainer. Even though so lots of learners suffered understanding at household, Kayla excelled —
performing overtime, undertaking individual research and making creations
with out remaining asked.

Kayla’s operate was utilised in the college engage in — “The Wedding ceremony Singer.”
Kayla located inspiration from grandma, who built the gown worn by Kayla’s aunt.

Kayla states her goal is to reopen her grandmother’s enterprise — Essence. For now,
she’s functioning on her have prom gown. She only let News 12 show
a compact part of it, but it will be daring and big — like scarcely fitting
through doors massive.