PROJECT ZA, New Creative Entrepreneurs, Ribbon Cuttings

Who We Incubating | Programs | Services We Offer | Support SoHarlem

Summer Spotlight: Zaire Benjamin’s PROJECT ZA

The Journey to Project Za

Zaire Benjamin joined SoHarlem while still in high school, receiving his foundational sewing and design training right here in our studios. After becoming a Studio Apprentice last year, he has officially launched his own line this year—directing everything from his photo shoots and packaging to his custom labels.

He describes PROJECT ZA as:

Mixes fantasy with the block. Loud silhouettes. Weird props. Polka dots. Controlled chaos. Humor mixed with pain. Childlike energy mixed with rebellion. It’s serious and unserious at the same time.

This is for the people who don’t ask for permission to create. The people who'd rather be remembered than accepted. The people bold enough to turn their weirdness into identity.

This ain’t quiet. This ain’t normal. This ain’t made to fit in.

To learn more about Zaire click here.

Shaping the Future: Meet Our New Entrepreneurs

From Taos Pueblo to Harlem: The Art of Mentorship

Patricia Michaels is a proud native of the Taos Pueblo who found a second home in Harlem, where her vision has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Now, she is passing her legacy forward—serving as an extraordinary mentor and an invaluable source of inspiration for our community’s emerging design talent.

Turning the Everyday into Art

Dean Elfante is packed with dreams and ideas, all beautifully exhibited in the way he upcycles his materials. With his creative touch, he transforms everyday items into one-of-a-kind, priceless treasures.

Where Fashion Meets Culinary Arts

We are delighted to welcome Chef Chrystina Casado! Celebrating the deep creative overlap between design and the culinary world, Chrystina joins us as she continues to develop and grow her inspiring Dine with Dignity operations.

From Student to Leader

Ashley Best first came to SoHarlem last summer as a Rambler student through Henry Street Settlement’s sewing and design program—a initiative led by SoHarlem Creative Entrepreneur, Andres Biel. Her dedication and talent shone brightly, and just one year later, she has stepped into a vital leadership role: this summer, Ashley is serving as our lead sewing instructor for the new cohort of high schoolers.

Where Science Meets Sustainability

When you combine the analytical mind of a researcher with a deep commitment to environmental activism, the result is sustainable fashion with a purpose. By bridging these two worlds, Christian Joseph designs do more than just look good—they send a powerful, clear message about the values shaping the future of garments

Documenting the Journey

Fashion is shaped by unique stories and complex challenges. Bringing a critical eye to the industry, Asja Lou’s exceptional talents center on the power of documentation and the art of casting those narratives to ensure they are truly heard and remembered.

From Student to Mentor

Nelvin De La Rosa practically grew up in our studios, joining SoHarlem during high school to hone his sewing and design techniques before starting college this year. As he continues to develop his signature voice in fashion, he is channeling his creativity into stunning, one-of-a-kind recycled garments. This summer, Nelvin is stepping into a leadership role as an assistant instructor, passing on his sewing skills to the next generation of high school students.

Double the Creativity!

Yes, Kytera & Katana Williams are indeed twins—and this dynamic duo is bringing double the energy to SoHarlem. Not only are they launching their brand-new line here this fall, but we are also co-incubating a major community project together.

Stay tuned for the big reveal!

Local Milestones: New Spaces Tastee Park Ribbon Cutting

We are thrilled to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting of the brand-new Taystee Park, complete with its main entrance right on West 125th Street!

This beautiful new green space is a wonderful addition to our vibrant neighborhood

Left to Right: Tom Gluck, Gluck+ (master plan architect); Victor Edwards, Chair, Community Board 9; Jerry Salama, Principal, Janus Property; Maritta Dunn, Former Chair CB9; Scott Metzner, Founder & Principal, Janus Property; Mark Levine, NYC Comptroller; Shaun Abreu, City Council Majority Leader; and Theodore Hoerr, Terrain Work, Landscape Architect

We want to extend a huge congratulations to Tony Shaw on launching the very first Edward Jones franchise in Harlem! We are proud to welcome this vital new business to our community and wish Tony immense success.

Coming Full Circle: Our New Partnership with DREAM!

Our Creative Economy Institute launches 2026 Summer Program With DREAM! High School Students

We are proud to announce our partnership with DREAM!—a milestone that brings SoHarlem back to its original roots. When SoHarlem was first conceived, it was built to combat the disproportionate impact of incarceration on our neighborhood.

DREAM! (Dare to Revitalize Education through Arts) works to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline from the ground up. By equipping students, educators, and families with the creative tools and confidence needed to resolve conflicts productively, they foster deep academic engagement and personal success.

Knowledge House @ SoHarlem To Discuss Creativity & AI

We recently hosted The Knowledge House at SoHarlem for an eye-opening, hands-on workshop focused on how to use AI as a powerful, practical creative tool.

Far from replacing the human touch, this workshop showed our community of designers, makers, and entrepreneurs how to harness AI to streamline their workflows, brainstorm bold new concepts, and elevate their branding. From generating design inspiration to writing product descriptions, our creatives learned how to make artificial intelligence work for them—proving that the future of fashion is both high-tech and hand-crafted.

Click Here To Shop in Person or To Shop On-Line

Please Donate Today to SoHarlem