When Roko Widlow moved to Arizona in 2023, she and her husband were walking in downtown Tempe and passed FABRIC Incubator, a nonprofit that helps emerging fashion designers start their brand and business.
Widlow, who had gone to fashion school in California, said she had never seen anything like it, and after meeting director and co-founder Angela Johnson, she decided to join.
“Angela knows everything and she could answer all of my questions,” she said. “It really was destiny that I found it.”
This year, FABRIC received $7,000, which is part of over $2.6 million in art grants from the state of Arizona through the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Johnson says that these gifts help designers like Widlow and others create a brand and business with sustainability in mind.
“By providing them with education, marketing and networking resources that they don’t have to pay for, we enable more of them to succeed, which completely fulfills our mission and vision,” she said in a message via email.
Arizona Commission for the Arts is funded through the state with a total budget of over $2 million for teaching, preserving and assisting in artistic endeavors.
Johnson says that gifts like these make the programs heavily discounted, and sometimes free for many. This inspires fashion entrepreneurs to learn about the business roles while still doing what they love.
For Widlow, the program was a jumping-off point to help get her designs into a local boutique. Now, she is designing even more pieces for Phoenix Fashion Week, which will have shows in October and November.
“I had a really great support system and we really need help a lot in this industry so I’m grateful that they helped me get there,” Widlow said.
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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