KKV created the Seams Wonderful program in 2008 as part of a holistic approach to health that provides women a safe space to develop professional sewing skills, learn English, and make a small income. The program builds upon sewing and embroidery skills that many Pacific Islander women learn as young girls and provides access to healthcare and social services. 

In 2022, KKV hired a new Operations Manager, Maria Oh, to focus on social entrepreneurship and to strengthen the business aspect of Seams Wonderful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sewing studio located within the Towers of Kuhio Park (KPT) public housing complex was frequently closed and resident women had limited opportunities to participate. Maria is updating equipment and studio policies to improve quality control, training and hiring Micronesian women as peer sewing instructors, and developing a schedule of public sales. She has a business and accounting background and is working with a nonprofit business consultant National CAPACD to identify ways to make the program more sustainable. Amenina Opet continues to support the program through language interpretation and case management services.

Our goal in 2023 is to expand Seams Wonderful by opening the studio daily and to use the studio during non-program sessions for other KKV programs such as our Pacific Voices and NieiRek. Over the long-term, the program hopes that product sales will generate revenue to pay for peer instructors and program supplies. 

We look forward to the next Seams Wonderful sales event in the coming months!