Meet Jenny Vazquez! Jenny first started working at Akinz as an intern while finishing her degree in Apparel Design from Colorado State University. Now she has become part of the Akinz crew! She mainly does on production and spends most of her time sewing, working on graphic design projects, or soaking in all the different areas of working at Akinz (screen-printing, knitting, etc.). Jenny has lived in Fort Collins for 12 years now but has lived in Texas, Connecticut and most recently North Carolina. When she's not at Akinz she is pursuing several other business ventures and raising her eight and ten year old kiddos.

While at CSU, Jenny loved designing women's apparel that is has interesting shapes and also unique design details. Her Senior Capstone collection was an all-white collection that used hand crafted metalwork details. In the pic below, you can see handmade brass buttons along the shoulder cut-outs of this Resort Collection dress with hand-beaded metal fringe.

What is your favorite part about working at Akinz?
I have always love being part of Fort Collin's "maker community" but while I was in school, my focus was very different. Now that I'm done with school I am so glad to continue to be around people that love to create art and use their hands as much as I do. I also love chatting with people from our community when they come into the store and want to hear more about what we do!

What is your favorite piece that Akinz currently has to offer?

I am super excited about our new line of leggings that are currently on pre-order! I helped get this project going as Suzanne's design intern and we are so excited that we were able to keep them made in Colorado. My favorite style is probably the Northern Lights print because the colors are absolutely beautiful and I love the hand-drawn mountains at the bottom.


 

What is your favorite to make?
Flare leggings! I love working with stretch-knit fabrics and our new Flared leggings are super fun to make (and they wear like a dream). I am also really excited to be learning to use the knitting machine. I have been a knitter & crocheter for many years but love using the machine. It's super fun! But truly, I love making anything... no lie.



 

What have you learned since working at Akinz?
I have learned how to use the knitting machine, how to screen print and so much about working with local manufacturers. I have also learned a ton about being an entrepreneur in the apparel industry! I get to see all the ups and downs and all the different roles that you get to play. Suzanne works so hard and is an inspiration!

What would people never guess that you do in your role?
I don't shy away from doing anything that needs to be done. Everybody here is the same way.. so that's a tough question! I do some cleaning, organizing, photography, and marketing that maybe people wouldn't guess...

Before working at Akinz, what was the last job that you had?
Before going back to school at CSU, I worked at local fabric & sewing shop, Mama Said Sew. That is where I first fell in love with the "maker community" in Fort Collins. I taught sewing classes to all ages, helped people find the best fabrics for their projects, and tried to inspire people by sewing various samples out of our amazing fabrics.

Can you describe your style in five words or less?

Sassy maker mama

What are your favorite things about Colorado?
Breweries, camping, the mountains, the people, the sun!

What are your interests and hobbies?
Sewing, making jewelry, drawing, painting and hanging out with the people I love.

Any last words?

We love our customers and are so grateful to all of those who support our crazy dreams :) Thank you!!