Atlantan Brittany J. Jones and award-winning blogger Mimi G join forces to fill a gap in the market with Melanated Fabrics Store and Creative Center (melanatedfabrics.com).

1. Why did you start Melanated Fabrics Store and Creative Center?

MG: We felt that there was a lack of creative spaces for the modern maker, and specifically the modern maker of color.

BJJ: As two Black and Brown women, we wanted to create a space that had all the things we thought a fabric store should have, and so we created it. We wanted a chic fabric store that people wanted to come to for the fabric but stay for the vibe.

2. What can people expect from the space? What can they accomplish there?

BJJ: The space is all about great-quality fabrics, bold prints, colorful solids, menswear fabrics and variety. Our customers can always expect to find great fabrics and great customer service.

MG: We want to make sure that when you visit you are not wondering what fabric to get; we are there to help you decide, provide suggestions and make you [feel] welcomed. The creative center is unlike anything else you will find in the city. We offer learn-to-sew classes and advanced classes, and we plan to add other hobbies we are into like shoemaking and bag making.

3. Why is sewing/creating important to you and, more broadly, important to a community?

MG: I think just like any hobby, sewing and creating is a way for you to express yourself. It is also a stress reliever! I think the community that we have created online has really shed light on Black and Brown makers that have amazing talent but have often been ignored or underestimated.

BJJ: When you can see someone that looks like you achieve their dreams, especially people of color, it’s empowering! The sewing community is so big, diverse and full of amazingly talented people of all races, sizes and sexes! We all have a role to play in representing one another so everyone is included and seen.

4. How did you two meet?

BJJ: I attended one of Mimi’s conferences that she hosted in L.A. Although I felt like I’d already known her from watching all her videos, that was the first in-person meet. I later became her mentee and we became very close friends.”

5. What are you most excited about involved with the center?

BJJ: We are excited to bring the community together, to offer classes and workshops that are relevant and not your traditional craft sewing classes, and we really want to be the dopest fabric store in Atlanta.