More Than Fashion: How Columbus Fashion Academy Is Empowering the Next Generation
Through hands-on learning, sustainability, and self-expression, the Columbus Fashion Academy Kids Program is helping young creators like Elliott Eskridge and Brooklyn Mowery build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills—proving the experience is truly more than fashion.
From sketch to stitch, students experience the joy of seeing their ideas become reality.
Creativity has the power to shape confidence, values, and self-expression—especially when children are given the space to explore it freely. That belief sits at the heart of the Columbus Fashion Academy (CFA) Kids Program, where fashion becomes a vehicle for growth, sustainability, and self-discovery.
When Elliott Eskridge wrote “sew my own dress” on her summer bucket list, her family didn’t realize they were taking the first step into a creative journey that would shape her confidence, values, and sense of self. Now 10 years old, Elliott has been part of the CFA Kids Program for two and a half years—an experience that has proven to be about far more than fashion.
Founded by Priscila Teixeira, Columbus Fashion Academy was created with a clear purpose: to empower individuals of all ages through creativity, education, and self-expression. Guided by her philosophy, Wear What You Love Every Day, Priscila believes fashion can be a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and personal growth. Her approach emphasizes artistic freedom, sustainability, and community—values woven into every CFA program.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Priscila brings a global perspective to her work. A lifelong learner with international credentials from renowned institutions, she leads CFA with compassion and intention, emphasizing self-advocacy, creative problem-solving, self-discovery, and confidence in every classroom.
At Columbus Fashion Academy, children are given real tools and real responsibility. Through youth programs, camps, and classes, students learn hands-on skills while being encouraged to trust their ideas and collaborate with others. For Elliott, that journey began with curiosity and quickly expanded into mastery.
Over the past two and a half years, Elliott has learned hand sewing, machine sewing, embroidery, mending, upcycling, refashioning shoes, and creating jewelry and hairpieces. She has also learned how to properly care for garments—understanding how different fabrics should be washed, handled, and maintained. These lessons build independence and respect for the work behind what we wear.
Seeing her own designs come to life has been transformative. When children are able to hold something tangible that once existed only in their imagination, it builds a quiet but powerful confidence. Elliott’s family describes it as the moment when “anything is possible” stops being abstract and becomes real.
That confidence is especially visible during CFA runway shows, where students model pieces they designed themselves. These shows are not about perfection or competition. Instead, they celebrate creativity, effort, and ownership. Walking the runway becomes an act of self-expression—reinforcing that a child’s voice and ideas matter.
Alongside Elliott is Brooklyn Mowery, an 8-year-old whose creativity thrives when she’s designing and building something of her own. Brooklyn has been part of the CFA Kids Program for six months, after her family recognized her love for creative expression and wanted to nurture it in a meaningful way.
Through the program, Brooklyn has explored sewing, design, and jewelry making, with sewing quickly becoming her favorite. Watching her ideas take shape through fabric and thread has been especially rewarding for her family, as she develops lifelong skills while expressing her individuality.
Brooklyn’s confidence shined brightly when she walked in her first runway show. Seeing her own design come to life and proudly sharing it on the runway was both exciting and empowering. For her family, it was equally meaningful to watch not only Brooklyn’s confidence grow, but to see every child proudly celebrating their work together.
A cornerstone of the Columbus Fashion Academy Kids Program is its focus on sustainability. Students work primarily with repurposed fabrics and donated clothing, opening the door to meaningful conversations about fast fashion, waste, and ethics within the clothing industry.
Through this process, Elliott has learned to question where clothing comes from and how it’s made—thinking critically about fairness, craftsmanship, and impact. Brooklyn, too, has learned that fashion doesn’t need to be new to be meaningful. With creativity, anything can be transformed into a beloved piece.
Beyond skills and sustainability, families consistently point to CFA’s strong sense of community as what sets it apart. Students are encouraged to support one another, celebrate each other’s ideas, and grow together in an environment rooted in kindness and respect.
A recent highlight for both girls was participating in the CCAD runway show, which was filmed by PBS/WOSU. For Elliott and Brooklyn, the experience was thrilling. For their families, it was a proud and unforgettable moment—watching confidence, creativity, and self-belief shine on such a meaningful stage.
For the Eskridge and Mowery families—and so many others—Columbus Fashion Academy is truly more than fashion. It’s a place where children learn life skills, build self-esteem, trust their voice, and stand comfortably in their own skin—while encouraging others to do the same.
Through creativity, sustainability, and community, Columbus Fashion Academy is shaping thoughtful, confident, and empowered young individuals—one stitch at a time.