Founder
Sylvia Rempel, founder of Sewing Seeds, embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. A mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she has overcome hardships. Sylvia arrived in Canada as a non-English speaking immigrant and self-taught seamstress, and went on to build a multi-million-dollar clothing enterprise employing hundreds - Sun Ice. It drew international attention as an official supplier to the 1988 Winter Olympics Games in Calgary, Alberta.
Sylvia has gone on to re-define "retirement." Her new life's chapter, has drawn on her passion and experience to develop a sewing skills training curriculum that leads students from novice to qualified seamstress. She has transformed lives at home and around the globe. Sylvia is building skills, self-confidence and financial independence in her programs. She is committed to excellence; expecting a high standard of quality and professionalism from students. Sylvia's latest venture is training sewing teachers to carry on this legacy into the future.
Co-founder
Tammy Bartel, Sylvia’s middle daughter, is the co-founder of Sewing Seeds. Check out the video below for the full story that began in 2001 when Sylvia and Tammy were invited to go to Sierra Leone to see where they could help after the brutal war.
Also see our History section.