With an expanded space, Kerr has also expanded her class
size from four students to six per class, and still she has a
waiting list. She has also extended her hours.
Fast approaching her 100-student mark, Kerr expressed
surprise at how widespread the genuine desire to sew is within
the Gilroy community that she’s lived in for 37 years.
“I was completely taken aback by the response that I got,
completely.”
Last April, Kerr organized the first Proud To Be Me
fashion show, which was a huge hit. The room was filled
to capacity and beyond with parents, grandparents, aunts,
uncles and friends, all gathered to celebrate their students’
accomplishments.
“Watching my students, seeing the looks on their faces,
they were so proud, so proud,” Kerr said smiling.
The second annual fashion show is slated for April 2017.
Kerr is currently searching for a venue in Gilroy, noting that
she wouldn’t want it any other place, to accommodate the
anticipated crowd.
Also on the calendar is an Open House on Saturday,
September 10th from 1-4 pm to celebrate the new space. On
October 29th, a Halloween Open House, and a Christmas
boutique in early December.
On the third Thursday of every month, students’ hand-made
items are offered for sale in the school’s Student Store.
Kerr will be forever appreciative of her success, and of her
students. Equally so, is her appreciation for the parents of
those students.
“The girls are great, but the parents are fantastic,” Kerr
said. “They’re very supportive. It’s the parents who want their
children to feel successful; without that, the kids are limited.”
Thanks to Martha and Evelyn, Kerr never felt limited, and
she wants the same for her students. The message seems to be
getting through. Student Natalie Navarro, who is nine years old,
may not be aware of Kerr’s teaching philosophy; she just knows
that her teacher cares.
“She’s really nice, and she’s a very helpful person,” Navarro
said of Kerr, adding that “sometimes, she has so much work to
do, but she still finds time for us.”
Proud To Be Me Sewing School
gilroysewingclasses.com
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
gmhtoday.com
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