Designers Plants and Coffee

Hosted by Cover Me Chic, Fearless Threads & Keeping You in Stitches

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Sep 2025

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About the show

We’re three women—Zahiyya from Cover Me Chic, Naima from Fearless Threads, and LaTisha from Keeping You in Stitches—sharing our journey as designers, educators, and creative entrepreneurs. Sewing, sipping, and staying rooted—join us for real conversations on creativity, fashion, community, and building handmade businesses with heart.

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45 recent

September 19, 2025Episode 105 min

Season Pause, What We’re Working On, and How to Stay Connected

Send a text As we wrap up this season of the Designers, Plants & Coffee Podcast, we’re sharing a little “what we’re working on” behind the scenes—and why we’re taking a short break. From new client work to back-to-school prep to launching the Cover Me Chic Collective, our plates are full. In this episode, you'll hear: Naima’s prep for the new teaching semester + taking private sewing clients in the DC metro area LaTisha’s deep dive into corporate tech packs and fittings Zahiyya’s exciting launch of the Cover Me Chic Collective —a sewing membership for curvy and modest fashion lovers How we’re prioritizing self-care to keep our creativity sustainable Industry news: RIP to Armani + thoughts on Ralph Lauren x HBCUs and the future of indie sewing patterns We’re not disappearing—just taking a creative pause. Keep sending us your questions, sewing wins, and fashion world hot takes via social or email. We’re still listening! Want early access to the Cover Me Chic Collective? Join the email list for updates and the foundation member pricing window (Sept 29–Oct 5). Check it out ! 🎧 Listen in and let us know what you're working on this season! Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

September 5, 2025Episode 911 min

Stop Undercharging for Your Products

Send a text Why do so many women—especially Black, women-owned, and minority-owned entrepreneurs—struggle to price their products and services confidently? In this episode, we’re diving into the mindset, history, and community influences that often lead us to undervalue our work. From product pricing to project proposals, we talk about knowing your worth, negotiating with confidence, and learning to walk away when something doesn’t serve you. We also share our personal experiences, tips for showing value to your clients, and the power of starting high in every pricing conversation. It’s a real, unfiltered chat full of hard-won wisdom—and a must-listen if you're trying to level up your business while staying true to your worth. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why we tend to adjust our pricing instead of asking others to meet our value The power of market research and peer pricing How showing your creative process builds trust and value Teaching others to respect handmade work through education Real-life stories of negotiation wins (and lessons learned) Why younger creators are charging boldly—and what we can learn from them Strategies for value-based pricing that doesn’t leave you underpaid Mentioned in this Episode: Naima of Fearless Threads LaTisha of Keeping Stitches Zahiyya of Cover Me Chic 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going: Drop a comment or DM us your best negotiation tips, pricing wins, or questions about knowing your worth. We’d love to hear from you! Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

August 22, 202520 min

Dealing with Grief as a Creative: how to grieve, grow, and keep your momentum

Send a text In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee, we're joined by grief coach and lifelong friend Dr. Fatima Pierce of Anchored in Courage. Fatima unpacks what grief really is (hint: it's not just about death), why creatives are uniquely impacted by it, and how to move forward with hope and intention. Whether you've had to pause your business, return to a 9-5, or simply lost creative momentum, this conversation is for you. Learn how to make space for grief, the power of self-reflection, and why honoring your emotions is the first step in healing and growth. Links Mentioned: Creative Momentum Download ☕ Leave a Review & Share! Leave us a comment @designersplantsandcoffee and let us know how you’re integrating your grief and your growth. Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

August 8, 2025Episode 711 min

Sewing is My Therapy: Rituals, Resetting & Real Talk from the Sewing Room

Send a text In this soul-soothing episode, LaTisha, Naima, and Zahiyya dive deep into the emotional power of sewing. From incense and playlists to project bags and plant therapy, discover how sewing becomes a sacred, healing space for each of these talented designers. Whether you're in a creative rut, setting up your sewing nook, or searching for purpose in your craft—this episode is your warm hug and gentle push to keep sewing. What We Cover in This Episode: Why sewing is therapy for creatives and entrepreneurs Our favorite rituals that help spark creativity What happens when your sewing space reflects you Fabric hoarding… or creative investing? Tips for making your sewing space a mental health sanctuary Connect With Us: Zahiyya: @CoverMeChic LaTisha: @KeepingYourStitches Naima: @FearlessThreads Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

July 25, 2025Episode 612 min

Sewing Class Fails: What We Learned from Teaching Beginners

Send a text In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Zahiyya, Naima, and LaTisha share their funniest moments from the sewing classroom. From students who’ve never held an iron to the mysteries of missing notches and tape measures, we get real about the challenges of learning (and teaching) to sew. We talk: Why pressing beats ironing every time The magic of tailor’s hams How a seam ripper can save your sanity The geometry of good garment construction Whether you're a seasoned sewist or just threading your first needle, this episode will have you laughing, nodding, and ready to get back to the machine. Grab our free fraction-to-decimal cheat sheet ! Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

July 11, 2025Episode 513 min

Joann Has Closed. Big 4 Patterns Are Liquidating. What Now?

Send a text Joann Fabrics has officially shut down all stores—and now the Big 4 sewing pattern brands (Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, Butterick) are being liquidated. In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee , we break down what this means for sewists, designers, and the future of home sewing. Topics Covered: Why Joann really closed The perfect storm that led to Big 4 pattern liquidation The rise of indie sewing patterns + PDF downloads How to thrive in a post-Joann world as a sewist or designer What this shift means for fit, accessibility, and new sewists Mentioned in the Episode: → Cover Me Chic Patterns → Free Nura Kimono Pattern → Fearless Threads → Keeping You In Stitches 📌 Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, community, and making things that matter. #JoannClosed #Big4Patterns #IndiePatterns #SewingPodcast #CoverMeChic #DesignersPlantsCoffee #PDFSewingPatterns #SewingCommunity #ModestFashion #SewCurvy Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

June 27, 2025Episode 411 min

Collaboration Over Competition: What Makes a Collab Actually Work?

Send a text In this episode of Designers, Plants & Coffee , we unpack what it really means to collaborate in today’s handmade business world. It’s not just about tagging each other on IG or saying “let’s collab!” in a DM—it’s about alignment, clear agreements, and mutual benefit. We talk about: How we built our podcast from the ground up—starting with friendship Why contracts protect both your business and your relationships The difference between a true collaboration and a one-sided ask What to say (and NOT say) when pitching a collab Red flags and must-haves before signing on Whether you're a creative looking to grow, an educator partnering with others, or a designer ready to scale, this episode is your behind-the-scenes pass to doing it right. #CollaborationOverCompetition #DPCPodcast #CreativeBusinessTips #WomenInFashion #SewingCommunity #CoverMeChic #PodcastForMakers #FearlessThreads #KeepingYouInStitches Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

June 13, 2025Episode 313 min

Beginner’s Guide to Sewing with Confidence: Tips, Tools & Teaching Stories

Send a text This episode of Designers, Plants, and Coffee dives into the rewarding world of sewing, exploring how learning new techniques and teaching others boosts confidence. Three creative business owners share their experiences, highlighting heartwarming student stories and offering actionable advice for both beginners and seasoned sewists. Discover the joys of mastering new skills and the impact of sharing your knowledge with others. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:18 Sewing Lessons and Growing Confidence 02:23 The Joy of Teaching 04:51 Heartwarming Student Stories 06:32 Teaching Kids vs. Adults 10:11 Navigating Adult Learning 12:15 The Myths of Sewing Key Takeaways: Embrace new sewing techniques: Streamline your workflow and boost efficiency by learning quicker methods. Share your sewing knowledge: Teaching others enhances your own skills and creates heartwarming connections. Utilize helpful tools: Explore presser feet and other gadgets to simplify your sewing process. Understand visual learning: Utilize diagrams and glossaries in patterns to overcome comprehension challenges. Overcome sewing fears: Encourage students (and yourself!) to embrace mistakes and celebrate progress. Resources Mentioned: Watch the episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/ihcIsIq8zjs Cover Me Chic YouTube Channel → https://www.youtube.com/covermechic Full Show Notes → beginners guide to sewing with confidence Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

May 30, 2025Episode 216 min

Curves, Confidence & Creativity: Designing for the Body You Have

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the realities of designing clothes for curvy bodies. Zahiyya from Cover Me Chic shares her personal journey from industry insider to indie pattern designer, and why she started drafting for hips, butts, and bodies that aren’t being served by traditional fashion. We talk: How to choose the right pattern size for your shape The emotional impact of poor fit—and how to reclaim your confidence Behind-the-scenes truths from fashion, fit, and pattern drafting Why representation matters in sewing and design Grab your coffee and pull up a project—this is a must-listen for anyone who sews for curves or wants to feel seen in the clothes they make. Mentioned in the episode: Cover Me Chic patterns: https://covermechic.com Follow us on Instagram: @covermechic | @fearlessthreads | @keepingyouinstitches Full tutorial library: Cover Me Chic YouTube Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com

May 16, 2025Episode 118 min

Sewing Business Struggles? You’re Not Alone! Our Sewing Journey's

Send a text Meet the voices behind Cover Me Chic, Fearless Threads, and Keeping You in Stitches. In this kickoff episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing how we each started sewing, why we turned it into a business, and what keeps us inspired even on the hard days. In This Episode: Welcome to the Podcast Meet the Hosts Sewing Beginnings From Hobby to Business Challenges in Entrepreneurship Advice for Aspiring Sewists Join our community Website: designersplantsandcoffee.com YouTube: @designersplantsandcoffee Instagram: @designersplantsandcoffee Facebook: @designersplantsandcoffee Hosts websites: Naima: lovefearlessthreads.com LaTisha: keepingyounstitches.com Zahiyya: covermechic.com