NJ teen heads to FIT as she follows grandmother’s legacy

For Asian Pacific American
Heritage Month, Information 12’s Nick Meidanis has the story of a New
Jersey teen with fashion in her blood.

Eighteen-calendar year-outdated Kayla Santos
taught herself how to sew, but now it is a lot more of a enthusiasm.

“The 1st COVID lockdown it all began, I was just stitching constantly and I
type of just grew,” claims Kayla.

But she’s generally had an eye for vogue, authoring the principles of dressing up
just before she could even spell shirt. Turns out it’s in her blood, thanks to her
grandma.

Her name is Esterlita Santos. She ran her possess company in the Philippines. They
by no means got the likelihood to fulfill but Kayla read stories, and a thing clicked.

“There’s like a cause that I’m like so into this that I should really surely want
to go after that in the foreseeable future,” states Kayla.

There’s another human being who served Kayla achieve the up coming amount — her artwork
teacher. Whilst so numerous students suffered understanding at dwelling, Kayla excelled —
operating overtime, performing possess research and making creations
devoid of remaining questioned.

Kayla’s function was made use of in the faculty engage in — “The Wedding ceremony Singer.”
Kayla found inspiration from grandma, who manufactured the gown worn by Kayla’s aunt.

Kayla says her purpose is to reopen her grandmother’s organization — Essence. For now,
she’s doing work on her individual promenade costume. She only let News 12 show
a little part of it, but it will be daring and big — like scarcely fitting
via doors significant.