Designer | The Grand Shine

Collaborator -  Bibiana​

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Karina Castro is a sustainable fashion designer and owner of the brand The Grand Shine since December 2021.  She successfully completed the sustainable fashion design program Follow the Thread with aZul.  She was diagnosed with Koolen-De-Vries Syndrome, and now Anxiety Separation Panic Attack and she finds "doing all this kind of work helps me to control myself and calm down my emotions."  She is especially thankful for the founder of aZul, Sandra Raffaelli, who "helps open me to new doors to my future."  Karina enjoys creating new designs all the time and always tries to do her best.  

Designer | O.O.K. (One Of a Kind)

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Benjamin Noble II was born with Down's Syndrome.  When he was in school, he was good at art.  "I was also good at following music and rhythm. I love dancing it’s my favorite thing to do."  With his mom's patience, love and dedication, Benjamin has learned a lot and it's no surprise she is the biggest influence in his life.  In 2019, Benjamin and his mom found out about the Follow the Thread program for adults with disabilities.  "I didn't know that I could accelerate more in Art and that I could learn different techniques in creating my designs.   It gives me hope, confidence and I feel very blessed that I am in this program and it's a great pleasure to be working with my fellow designers."

Designer |  2071 Redesigning Future Trends​

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Meet Devin of 2071 Redesigning Future Trends.  Devin holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, from Florida Atlantic University with concentrations in journalism and history. Devin has a deep passion for fashion and has been part of the aZul family since 2019. In 2020, Devin launched her entrepreneurial spirit as a designer in the world of sustainable fashion with the premier of her Company 2071.    "As a teen, I discovered my passion through a hobby of mine. From there, I decided I wanted to become a designer. Follow The Thread has allowed me to follow my passion and turn it into a business. Through this, I can do what I love and follow my dreams."  

Designer | Sunshine Love​

Collaborator - Gianna

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Hannah loves fashion! She has a beautiful style of her own and keen eye for design.  When Hannah heard about aZul Follow the Thread she wanted to begin right away.  The design experience was amazing! Her collaborator, Gianna. truly let Hannah express her design concepts and supported her with making some amazing pieces. Since then, she has been very successful in selling her designs at various fashion events and is thankful to aZul for making this dream a reality.

Designer | E3 Sustainable Free Style

Collaborators - Natalie & Micki

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Erika Eno is the founder of E3 - three generations of designers.  After finding out about aZul's Follow the Thread program at a community Autism event Erika was eager to try something new.  Erika was joined by Natalie & Micki and all three enrolled in the program.  To have three generations participating and learning design techniques together was so rewarding and inspired and awakened all of their creativity - "what a joy it is to have started our E3 Sustainable Free Style business together."  Be sure to be on the lookout for the three hidden dots on each sustainable clothing creation by Erika and E3.

Designer | Lol'as Trends

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Meet Veronica of Lol'as Trends, one of aZul's designers from 2021 Follow the Thread program.  Since graduating from the program, Veronica has been consistently working on growing her fashion business, taking part in as many marketing opportunities as she can - from pop - up and fashion festivals to community and church events.  Her mom, Mency, couldn't be more proud.  "I am just so impressed of how she overcame a lot of things. I know we've had a dream to do something in her life and she's definitely conquered her dream to be a sustainable fashion designer."  Get to know Veronica and you will soon agree - her passion for fashion is contagious!