SKILLS PAY BILLS: A Sew Loka Podcast

Hosted by Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Chicana fashion designer, Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, was introduced to sewing at a very young age by her immigrant parents. In 2013, she opened a sewing studio named Sew Loka. As a Mexican-American female business owner, Claudia is breaking down barriers, blurring societal norms and proudly welcoming BIPOC and underserved communities through affordable, edgy, and upcycled handmade goods. This SKILLS PAY BILLS podcast will focus on the local makers and creators that excite and inspire Claudia. The podcast is filmed inside of the "Sew Loka" sewing studio located in historic Barrio Logan, San Diego. Thank you for listening!!!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 25, 20261 hr 4 min

Skills Pay Bills #111 feat Melicha @melicha_art

Send us Fan Mail Claudia sits down with painter Melicha (Melissa Salgado) for a full hour of real talk - how they met, Melissa's creative process, the family traditions behind her work, her love of cactuses, and what's coming next. Melissa's Paint & Stitch: Nopalitos workshop drops June 28th, and her solo show Conceiving Tradition opens July 11th right here at Sew Loka. Don't miss it! https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

February 12, 202652 min

Skills Pay Bills #110 feat. Selena Idioma @selenaidiomaart

Send us Fan Mail Claudia from Sew Loka talks with San Diego artist Selena Idioma about her creative journey, her artistic influences, and her upcoming first solo art show, "Love, Always," opening Valentine's Day at the Sew Loka sewing studio. Pull up and show some love! https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

December 24, 2025Episode 452 min

Skills Pay Bills #109 - Slow Fashion Day Recap w/ Chris Carson (@bychriscarson)

Send us Fan Mail Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski of Sew Loka and Chris Carson from The Homegrown Project SD sit down to reflect on Slow Fashion Day 2025. The co-organizers share how the event started and discuss their favorite moments from this year's festival—from hands-on workshops to sustainability panels and fashion shows—and the community members who helped make it happen. They talk about what worked, what they learned, and give a sneak peek at plans for 2026, including expanded workshops and new partnerships. Whether you attended this year or are curious about the slow fashion movement in San Diego, Claudia and Chris offer an honest look at building a community event focused on sustainable fashion and local makers. Recorded at Sew Loka in Barrio Logan, San Diego 12/15/25 https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

August 2, 2025Episode 820 min

Movie Manny #8 - "Legends Never Die" A Sew Loka Short Story

Send us Fan Mail Movie Manny returns with exciting news about directing a new short film "Legends Never Die," starring his wife, Claudia from Sew Loka and shot in their Barrio Logan sewing studio. Discover how a simple clothing patch can be transformed into a beautiful cinematic experience! Manny also gives exclusive updates on upcoming Sew Loka collaborations with SDFC, Uniqlo, San Diego Wave, and more. He also shares the raw journey of balancing small business growth with creative aspirations and using filmmaking to cope and push through crazy times. Whether you're into clothing, film, or entrepreneurship, hopefully this episode will remind you to stop overthinking and just "make the thing." https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

June 24, 2025Episode 31 hr 4 min

Skills Pay Bills #108 - Ashley Nell Tipton @ashleynelltipton⁩

Send us Fan Mail Project Runway Season 14 winner Ashley Nell Tipton @ashleynelltipton⁩ joins us to share her journey as the first designer to feature plus-size models on the Project Runway stage. At 23, Ashley broke barriers in the fashion industry while navigating the intense pressures of reality TV. In this candid conversation, Ashley reveals the challenging behind-the-scenes reality of filming - from isolation and strict production rules to the emotional toll of competition. She opens up about how winning changed her life, the unexpected costs of sudden fame, and finding strength through her grandmother's memory and spiritual guidance. We also explore the vibrant San Diego sewing community and discuss the importance of connecting local designers and celebrating talent outside of major fashion hubs like LA. Ashley shares her vision for building stronger creative networks and supporting emerging artists. Topics Covered: Behind the scenes of Project Runway Breaking barriers in fashion The San Diego creative community Mental health and self-care Finding resilience through visualization Building creative networks A must-listen for fashion enthusiasts, aspiring designers, and anyone interested in the realities of pursuing creative dreams. #sewloka #sandiego #sewing #ashleynelltipton https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

May 20, 2025Episode 21 hr 13 min

Skills Pay Bills TV #107 feat Paul Chevallier @toofbush #sewloka #sewing #sandiego #toofbush

Send us Fan Mail Paul Chevallier @toofbush visits the @sewloka sewing studio in #barriologan to discuss #sewing #socialmedia #slowfashion shooting #videos creating #clothing and surviving in #sandiego Recorded on 5/12/25 by @moviemannysd in Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA - 12:30pm PST To learn more about Paul and @pleasetoofbush please visit Paul's website: https://www.toofbush.com To learn more about Claudia and @sewloka please visit Claudia's website: https://sewloka.com @sewloka @toofbush @skillspaybillstv @moviemannysd Skills Pay Bills TV #107 feat Paul Chevallier @toofbush #sewloka #sewing #sandiego #toofbush https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

April 30, 2025Episode 11 hr 4 min

Skills Pay Bills TV #106 feat. Chris Carson @bychriscarson

Send us Fan Mail Skills Pay Bills TV#106 feat. Chris Carson @bychriscarson Chris Carson is an artist and cut and sew clothing designer living in San Diego, CA. Chris and Claudia talk about sewing, sustainability, San Diego, and slowing down. You can visit Chris in person at his clothing store "The Homegrown Project" @thehomegrownprojectsd 2440 Highland Ave, National City, CA 91950 Visit Claudia in person at her sewing studio "Sew Loka" @sewloka 2113 Logan Avenue, B, San Diego, CA 92113 https://sewloka.com/ @skillspaybillstv Documented by Manny Biezunski @moviemannysd https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

February 22, 2025Episode 21 hr 5 min

Skills Pay Bills #105 "Celebrating 12 Years of Sew Loka"

Send us Fan Mail Manny and Claudia are back for a new season of Skills Pay Bills 2025. They talk about "Ryde or Dye" and celebrating 12 years of Sew Loka, reciting prayers of gratitude at USD, recording new reels for KittiePIG, creating soccer balls for SDFC, and what's next for Sew Loka in 2025. There is so much to talk about and to be thankful for! Thank you for listening, we appreciate you!!! https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

October 24, 2024Episode 11 hr 1 min

Skills Pay Bills #104 - Official Sew Loka Interview (Oct 2024)

Send us Fan Mail Skills Pay Bills #104 - Official Sew Loka Interview (Oct 2024) SEW LOKA 2113 Logan Avenue, Suite B San Diego, CA 92113 https://sewloka.com/shop @sewloka @skillspaybillstv https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!

August 14, 2024Episode 722 min

Movie Manny #7 - "A Complete Unknown: Why Bob Dylan Is Important"

Send us Fan Mail Movie Manny #7 - "A Complete Unknown: Why Bob Dylan Is Important" https://sewloka.com/ Thank you for continuing to support Sew Loka and Skills Pay Bills, we appreciate you!