PHILADELPHIA, PA - As we approach the end of 2020 and more and more small businesses struggle, this year it's more important than ever to shop locally. The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, is currently mentoring 5 talented designers-in-residence in their annual residency program.

These designers are launching their businesses during what's proven to be one of the most challenging years we’ve faced.

2020 Designers-In-Residence Offers One-of-a-Kind Holiday Gifts

This year's designers-in-residence.

From a men's shoe wear designer to a women’s custom modest wear clothing line, this year's designers-in-residence has gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Juno Jones Shoes | Designed by Emily Soloby

Juno Jones offers fashionable safety footwear for women. Designer Emily Soloby co-owns a transportation safety training firm, but she couldn’t find stylish safety boots to get her from office to job site. So, she created Juno Jones, bringing beautiful steel toe footwear to the growing number of women in STEM, construction, and other hazardous fields.

Tobin Designs | Designed by Danielle Tobin

Tobin Designs is an eco-conscious, artisanal apparel and accessories brand that creates up-cycled, colorful, and edgy signature silhouettes. With attention to detail, the collection is created for the modern, independent, and confident trendsetter who is always making a statement. Designer Danielle Tobin’s inspiration comes from thrift stores and beauty in materials that others have discarded.

Sew Elevated | Designed by Nicole Muhammad

Sew Elevated provides carefully curated fashion-forward styles and custom garments for the fabulously modest woman. Beyond adorning women with physical garments, Sew Elevated seeks to elevate the thinking of the woman and those around her. As a clinical psychologist, Designer and Dr. Nicole Muhammad knows the power that our dress can have on our mind, emotions, behaviors, and the behaviors of others.

Samsara Sari Designed by Namita Penugunda Reddy

In Sanskrit, Samsara means the cycle of death and rebirth. This concept drives Samsara Sari – clothing, home textiles, and accessories made from lightly-used saris. Launched in 2019, Samsara Sari is a sustainable, slow fashion brand. Designer Namita Penugunda Reddy’s vision for Samsara Sari is to preserve a piece of culture by celebrating the beauty of the sari and transforming it into a modern treasure.

A. Briner | Designed by Melissa Briner

For the man who wants to dress professionally, yet still express themself, A. Briner is the perfect solution. Designer Melissa Briner creates custom painted footwear to allow men to express their individual interests and styles.

“Over the past ten years I have had a front-row seat to our designers' business challenges and successes,” says Elissa Bloom, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator. “It is exciting to see that our alumni keep thriving with over 70% of them still in business since we launched, all thanks to those who continually choose to shop local.”

To learn more about the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator and their designers, visit their website here. For the latest information on the PHILADELPHIA FASHION INCUBATOR, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.