Tanisha Swain
Master Seamstress | Designer | Instructor | Stylist
At Sewni, we believe fashion should be accessible, sustainable, and profitable for everyone. We empower youth and adults with the skills, tools, and confidence to design, sew, and turn creativity into income—all while reducing fashion waste.Our programs teach real-world sewing, fashion design, and business skills, breaking down industry barriers and proving that you don’t need wealth to create—just vision and opportunity. Through our hands-on classes, private lessons, and corporate partnerships, we’re building a community of designers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are shaping the future of fashion.Join us and discover how to stitch sustainability into style and turn passion into profit!
My Story
​Hey, I’m Tanisha Swain—a 33-year-old designer, creator, and dreamer born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My love for fashion started early. Growing up a chubby lil’ girl who loved to dress up, I quickly realized the fashion world wasn’t made for bodies like mine. Shopping meant heading to the adult section, and that meant long sleeves, oversized fits, and way too much cleavage. I was at the tailor constantly, just to make clothes work for me. One day, I asked for a sewing machine—with zero experience, but a whole lot of curiosity. I figured it out on my own. And before I knew it, I was making clothes for myself and my family. My mom loved it because it saved her money, and I loved it because it finally felt like my style, my fit, my voice.That passion took me far. I got the chance to showcase my first collection on the Steve Harvey Show, interned for a designer in DTLA, worked with a tailor for 5 years, and studied fashion design at Trade Tech College. Every experience helped shape me—taught me about hustle, craftsmanship, and storytelling through clothes.But it wasn’t until I landed at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center that everything came full circle. There, I got to teach kids the same skills that changed my life—and that filled my heart in a way nothing else had. Now, I’ve created Sewni—my way of pouring all that passion, knowledge, and love back into the world. It’s a brand and platform where I get to blend custom sustainable fashion, design education, and community empowerment. I love every part of it—from creating patterns, to designing and sewing, to styling and teaching. This is more than a business. It’s my calling. And I’m so grateful you’re here to be a part of it.