Candace Cantaloupe has been creating clothes ever since she discovered the family sewing machine. She taught herself to sew through countless projects (octopus hat, anyone?) and a business selling handmade accessories and apparel. However, self-education has its limitations. Candace realized she needed to learn the fundamentals of pattern making techniques in order create better fitting and professional looking garments. She enrolled in the New York Fashion Academy to learn the skills like pattern making and high-end sewing techniques that are needed to create a quality garment from vision to conception.

After finishing the program and earning a Certificate of Mastery in Fashion Design and Construction, Candace began teaching classes, then moved into an assistant director role. Altogether, she has been learning, teaching, and leading at the academy for over a decade.

Prior to studying fashion, Candace studied Biology and Environmental Science, teaching classes in science and art while running a business selling unique handmade items like bloomers and reversible skirts. She now draws from her varied experience teaching and her deep love and knowledge of pattern making, design, and construction to help people create their fashion dreams.

Through her leadership of the Seattle Fashion Academy, Candace is honored to continue the legacy of Terry Horlamus and NYFA, and will continue the core curriculum and couture techniques.