If you asked Janine Inselmann a year ago where Sewing Lab would be today, she admits she probably would’ve laughed, and maybe even cried a little. What began as a modest idea to teach people how to sew has transformed into one of Fairfax County’s most uplifting stories of sustainability, creativity, and Filipino-led community impact.

Sewing Lab, founded by Janine, goes far beyond teaching basic sewing skills. From day one, her mission was rooted in accessibility and cultural values: to make sewing and sustainability practical, hands-on, and achievable for everyday people. In just a year, that mission has blossomed into a community movement that reflects the heart of the Filipino spirit, resourcefulness, bayanihan, and the belief that nothing should be wasted.

When Janine reflects on Sewing Lab’s journey, she doesn’t start with awards or statistics. She begins with the small, human moments that have made the greatest impression. She remembers the joy on a child’s face as they held up their first tote bag like a championship trophy. She talks about a senior who shared that sewing helped them feel calm and focused. She recalls students who didn’t want class to end because they wanted to keep creating. These moments, she says, are the true heartbeat of Sewing Lab.

The larger accomplishments are equally powerful. In just seven months, Sewing Lab diverted more than 500 pounds of textiles from local landfills, educated over 60 participants through hands-on workshops, and partnered with 19 organizations including George Mason University, Pride DC, and the ReFashion Show. This work captured the attention of Fairfax County and led to Sewing Lab receiving the 2025 Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Award, one of the county’s highest honors for environmental leadership.

The Environmental Excellence Awards are presented each year to individuals, businesses, organizations, and county employees who advance Fairfax County’s environmental policies, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond normal civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership that inspires others. Sewing Lab was recognized for combining education, creativity, and sustainability in a way that challenges fast fashion culture and encourages residents to rethink their relationship with clothing. By teaching practical skills and emphasizing resource stewardship, Sewing Lab empowers people to take meaningful action at both individual and community levels.

For The FilAm community, Janine’s recognition is more than a professional milestone. It is a cultural triumph. Janine is unapologetically Filipina in every space she enters. She carries with her core Filipino values like resourcefulness, generosity, and the instinct to “use what you have.” These values guide her teaching philosophy and shape Sewing Lab’s mission. She often reminds people that Filipino households have long practiced sustainability, repurposing and repairing out of creativity and care.

“As a Filipina, my culture is never something I tone down,” she says. “It is something I lead with.” She hopes her journey reminds other Filipinos that they do not have to hide their identity to succeed. “Your story, your roots, and your culture are your power. Bring them with you.”

Sewing Lab continues to redefine sustainability by making it accessible, joyful, and deeply community-centered. Janine’s philosophy is simple: teach people to create, repair, and reuse, and let the community grow from there. Through clothing swaps, hands-on workshops, and education partnerships, Sewing Lab shows that climate action does not have to feel distant or overwhelming. It can be something you can touch, learn, and share.

Janine’s message to the Filipino community and to anyone curious about sustainability, creativity, or community building — is an open invitation. She welcomes people to join a class, participate in a clothing swap, or bring Sewing Lab into their schools, businesses, or organizations. Whether someone wants to learn how to sew a simple project, repair their favorite outfit, or explore the deeper mission behind sustainable fashion, they are welcome.

“Bring your friends, bring your stories, bring that fabric or outfit you haven’t used in years,” she says with a smile. “Let’s see what we can create together.”