Today we’d like to introduce you to Kacie Starr Long.
Hi Kacie Starr. We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. Let’s start by introducing yourself.
I’m a third-generation seamstress, but I never thought I would have a career in sewing. I always thought I would have a career in politics, and I was on that path, making history as one of St. Louis’ youngest politicians on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen until everything came crashing down. In 2013, I made headlines for admitting that I had embezzled campaign funds and found myself out of work, potentially facing time in prison, and my reputation was tarnished. Thankfully, I didn’t have to go to prison. I was required to pay restitution, but I no longer had a job. What was once a hobby became a lifeline. I would sew clothes and post pictures of my garments on social media. Soon, people began asking me to teach them how to sew. I started sewing clothes for customers and running a sewing school inside my kitchen. During the pandemic, when the numbers expanded, I set up a sewing classroom in my living room. People began to share how they enjoyed my classes, and I noticed how individuals’ self-esteem and confidence increased by making beautiful clothing and items with their hands. I now run the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, a creative space in north St. Louis county that teaches adults and children sewing, quilting, and crafting. We also run sewing therapy groups for the formerly incarcerated. My story is that I didn’t go to prison, but I certainly could have. Sewing has provided a space for me to create, feed my family, and give back to the community. I want to help those re-enter the community from prison so they have a safe space to heal, find support, and increase their income.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I was angry at myself for a long time, mad about my decisions, and I lost the respect and trust of many who believed in me as their government official. Sometimes, we can be very hard on ourselves. I went through therapy, which helped me understand why I believed I needed to embezzle campaign funds. I also grew closer to God, which has helped me understand the value of extending grace and forgiveness to myself. This has allowed me to be more compassionate and understanding toward others. Before, I viewed life through a very black-and-white lens. Now, I understand there are often many layers to a person’s story, and it’s important to listen, discern and not be quick to judge.
We’ve been impressed with Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a creative center in north St. Louis county that teaches adults and children how to sew, quilt and craft. I grew up listening to the hum of my grandmother’s sewing machine as she made beautiful garments for my family and me. The Sew Hope Community Sewing Room is more than just a sewing center. It’s a place where the community gathers. Widows have come to find support and healing. Grieving widowers have come in, too, missing their wives. They come in to look at fabrics or poke around. We create a welcoming space for everyone. You would be surprised what people share when their guards are down and everyone is sewing or working on a project.
People have shared their dreams and their fears. There have been tears too. I don’t intentionally hope that people will cry when they come to Sew Hope, but I’ve learned to keep the Kleenex near. When I first began to pray about opening the Sew Hope Community Room, I felt God speak to my heart about the sewing room serving as a place of healing. There is healing that takes place at Sew Hope. Some friendships are formed, confidence is increased, creativity is nurtured, and there is the freedom to just be at our shop.
What are your plans for the future?
My husband and I lead a prison ministry, where we go inside the prisons to run skill-based programs and faith-based services. Our next step is to open up a small manufacturing center and hire and train individuals that have been formerly incarcerated; I know what it is like to have made a mistake and how hard it is to find employment due to your past. In addition to providing job training and employment, we are beginning the process of fundraising for a transitional home for women re-entering the community from prison.
One Sunday, we decided not to preach a sermon but to converse with the ladies. My husband has spent 40 years in prison ministry. He asked them, what do you need to not return to prison ministry? The response was: Housing, employment, and support. The idea for the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room is to teach others how to sew beautiful clothes and SEW HOPE into the lives of those who may feel hopeless, let behind, and in need of support. At the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, we are changing lives one seam at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SewHopeSTL.com
- Instagram: @SewHopeSTL
- Facebook: @SewHopeSTL
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/kcstarr49
Image Credits
Zachary Clingenpeel Amethyst Roberson
