The women at Custom Collaborative are creating garments and opportunities. The Midtown program teaches immigrant and low-income women to work in sustainable fashion.

Volunteer Toni Skidmore is helping them move to that next level.

"I love seeing the creativity,” Skidmore said. “I love seeing how you can take a piece of fabric, cut it and make it into another shape, make it into something beautiful and wearable.”

The East Flatbush resident first joined up with Custom Collaborative two years ago, inspired by its dedication to uplifting women and teaching sustainability.

"I want to be able to provide however I can, give my services to those who have the talent, have the drive, have the vision, the creativity,” she said. “I want to be able to help them reach those goals."

Skidmore is a lifelong fashionista, a love she got from her mother.

"I grew up watching her and her friends just take the time to buy beautiful, colorful things,” she said. “My mom taught me how to shop. She taught me the value of investing in clothing."

Skidmore now shares her love for fashion and helping others by giving back at Custom Collaborative. Skidmore speaks to the women about the business end of fashion. She helps to fundraise. Right now, Skidmore is helping to develop a business pitching course for the women.

"It is important for the women who are a part of this program for, for them to learn how to market their product and learn how to tell their story," she said.

Skidmore is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration. She hopes to bridge her time at Custom Collaborative with her degree after she graduates in May.

"Whatever I do, whatever it is, there will always be the component of community,” she said. “There will always be everything that I've learned here at Custom Collaborative."

For helping new fashion entrepreneurs get a seamless start to their careers, Toni Skidmore is our New Yorker of the Week.