A Tempe fashion incubator is helping local designers in a market not typically known for its fashion industry.
Local designer Nidelka Mayers says since moving to the Grand Canyon State from New York City, it has been a challenge keeping her business afloat.
"The belief that I could be a designer and that I can do anything that I wanted to do is always there, it was just...how do I evolve that?" Mayers said.
That's where The Fabric Building comes into play. It's a one-stop shop. They can sew samples, produce their product and there's even event space.
It was founded by Sherri Berry and Angela Johnson.
Johnson, a fashion designer herself, had a successful business in Los Angeles. But when Johnson moved to the Valley for family, she quickly realized Phoenix is not the fashion mecca.
"I was watching designers trying to start their business and I was watching them fail because of the lack of resources," Johnson explained.
Max Mizur also uses this space to bring his designs to life. He started designing backpacks. Now he's designing women's apparel.
"There are so many frustrations and so many ways to fail as a designer that without this place, I think it's very safe to say I think I'd be doing something else right now," said Mizur.
About 20 business now use this facility in some way making sure the Valley is taking care of its designers.
