Backstitching into Community: Creativity, Health & Industry Shifts

In this episode of The AudaSEWtea Podcast, Aaronica B Cole and Julian Collins return with personal updates and creative insights. Aaronica shares her involvement with Atlanta Frocktails 2025 and her styling talk for those with hidradenitis suppurativa. She also opens up about her BRCA2 diagnosis, preventative surgeries, and navigating menopause with hormone therapy. Julian talks about his new sewing machine, pattern release, and recent health struggles.

Together, they explore industry changes, including Joann’s bankruptcy, access to local fabric stores, and the ongoing lack of plus-size sewing patterns. They highlight the importance of inclusivity and representation in the sewing community. The episode also dives into their current projects—Julian’s YouTube goals and Aaronica’s Thread and Thrive Instagram series—and how they balance creativity, community, and wellness in a shifting industry.