Meet Your Instructors

Learning something new feels easier when you have the right people beside you.

Our instructors bring real hands-on sewing experience, patience, and a passion for helping others grow whether you're touching a sewing machine for the first time or building advanced garment-making skills.

That is why at Philia Brant, we believe sewing is more than a hobby. It’s a practical life skill, a creative outlet, and a way to create clothing that truly fits your life and body.

Get to know the makers who will guide your journey.

ARAZU - Sewing Instructor | Tailor

Arazu brings international experience in garment construction, alterations, and pattern drafting, including dressmaking work in Dubai. She specializes in precise fitting, detailed sewing, alterations and creating well-constructed garments with care and skill.

SUSMITA - Organizer, Model & Workshop Assistant

Susmita brings creativity, organization, and a strong fashion presence to the Philia Brant team. With experience in modeling, event coordination, and fashion, she helps create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere during workshops and special events.

Her positive energy, eye for presentation, and supportive nature help students feel comfortable, encouraged, and excited to learn.

ALISHA Sewing Instructor | Garment Sewing & Creative Fashion

Alisha is a self-taught sewing enthusiast, loving mom of two girls, and passionate creative who believes sewing is a lifelong learning journey. Through dedication and persistence, she has grown her skills from working on a vintage sewing machine with limited resources to confidently using advanced sewing equipment in her own home studio.

She brings creativity, technical sewing skill, and a passion for garment construction to the Philia Brant team. Alisha especially enjoys structured sewing projects and helping students bring ambitious fashion ideas to life through hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

KERRYSewing Instructor | Garment Sewing & Creative Fashion

Kerry began sewing over 7 years ago after being gifted her grandmother’s sewing machine—a moment that sparked a lasting passion for creating. A self-taught sewist with an adventurous spirit, she developed her skills through hands-on practice, YouTube, blogs, and working with commercial patterns.

She loves creating wearable fashion pieces like flowy pants, skirts, dresses, and comfortable loungewear, with a special interest in working with stretch knits. Originally from Brantford and now based in Paris, Kerry also brings a passion for helping others grow, making her a warm and encouraging presence at Philia Brant.

Inspired by travel, creativity, and everyday wearable fashion, Kerry enjoys helping students build confidence while creating pieces they’ll be proud to wear.

Ivana Founder & Lead Sewing Instructor | Alterations, Pattern Work & Garment Making

Ivana is the founder of Philia Brant Fashion Studio and an award-winning sewing instructor passionate about helping students of all ages build confidence through sewing. From alterations and garment construction to creative fashion projects, she loves making sewing approachable, practical, and enjoyable for beginners and experienced sewists alike.

She founded Philia Brant as a way to give back to the community that welcomed and supported her family when they settled in Canada. Through sewing, she hopes to create a space where people can learn new skills, build confidence, form meaningful connections, and experience the joy of creating something with their own hands.

OMOTOYO Remote Sewing & Fashion Design Instructor

We are excited to welcome Omotayo Oluwaseun Ayodele to the Philia Brant teaching team as one of our Remote Sewing & Fashion Design Instructors.

With over 10 years of experience in fashion education, garment construction, and pattern drafting, Omotayo has helped students develop practical sewing skills while building confidence and creativity. She has taught at several fashion institutions, guiding both beginner and intermediate students from their very first stitches to creating professionally finished garments.

Areas of Expertise

  • Garment Construction
  • Sewing Techniques
  • Flat Pattern Drafting
  • Fashion Illustration
  • Apparel Production
  • Digital Fashion Design
  • Adobe Illustrator for Technical Flats
  • Digital Patternmaking Workflows
  • Style3D (Digital Fashion Technology)

Omotayo is passionate about making sewing education accessible and enjoyable. Her teaching style focuses on breaking down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-follow steps while encouraging students to develop strong technical skills and their own creative voice.

As part of the Philia Brant team, she will support our growing online learning community by helping develop educational content, teaching virtual classes, creating sewing tutorials, and mentoring students from around the world.

We are excited to have Omotayo share her knowledge and inspire the next generation of makers and fashion designers.