UW’s Design, Merchandising and Textiles Program Teaches Practical Skills, Empowers Entrepreneurs

For small businesses that specialize in bridal wear and clothing alteration services, Wyoming's geography and rural character can create unique challenges. But that hasn't prevented entrepreneurial graduates of the University of Wyoming's Design, Merchandising and Textiles Program from succeeding in this niche industry.

Applied Learning

Housed in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, the Design, Merchandising and Textiles (DMT) Program offers three different concentrations, including an apparel design and product development option.

During their time at UW, apparel design students receive technical training to professionally design, sew and alter garments. They also develop the practical skills to manage retail purchasing, merchandise products, and plan and market events.

"I learned so much more than I could have imagined -- not only the physical act of sewing, but different materials, weaves (and) the chemistry behind it all," says Lauren Carlson, a 2017 DMT graduate and proprietor of Casper-based Joyful Juniper Alterations. "There also was a big push for us to be independent and vocal, which has helped not only my art, but also my position as a small-business owner."

All DMT students are required to take a basic sewing class and participate in a practicum course that culminates in UW's annual student-run Kaleidoscope Fashion Show.

Many students who sign up for the class are surprised, then excited, to discover that they're responsible for all aspects of planning, budgeting, marketing and runway design. Each student takes on different responsibilities through involvement in a chosen committee. Options include marketing, technical production, model coordination and stage management.

All students are encouraged to submit design entries to be featured in the show.

"We're really trying to push that experiential learning, giving students those real-world opportunities rather than just sitting and learning about those things," says Erin Irick, an associate professor and coordinator of the DMT Program.

Runway-Ready

Graduating senior Izzy Nichols, originally from Cheyenne, has dived into those experiential learning opportunities throughout her time in the program.

Nichols didn't enter UW with a declared major but, once she found her way into an introductory design class, her path quickly became clear.

"I really liked the creativity to it," she says. "I liked that it made me think, and there wasn't one direct, clear way of doing things … (The program) is small, so I feel like I got to form really close bonds with professors and other students."

In addition to excelling in her coursework, Nichols has participated in the Kaleidoscope Fashion Show several times, served as a teaching assistant for multiple classes and revived UW's student-run Fashion Club.

"Izzy has been so amazing in the department in her time here. The amount she's grown in the time she's been here in her skills as a designer and just personally is really exciting," says Irick, the club's faculty adviser.

In recognition of her efforts, Nichols won three awards in the 2026 Kaleidoscope Fashion Show, including "Best of the Show" for a five-piece collection she titled RE-GLAM.

"I was a very shy and reserved student, but look at where I am now," Nichols says. "I'm the president of a student organization, constantly helping out in my community and feel like I've really found my voice."

Thanks to a connection with a local business owner, Nichols had the opportunity to put her leadership skills -- and technical training -- to work at two Wyoming bridal expos in January.

Laramie resident and entrepreneur Kati Hime had reached out to Irick wondering if a student from the DMT Program might be interested in directing mini fashion shows at the expos. Irick immediately thought of Nichols, who jumped at the opportunity.

When she arrived at the Cheyenne expo, Nichols was prepped and ready to go, even though she'd never attended a bridal expo, let alone helped manage one. The event was much larger than she'd expected, with about 400 attendees. But she calmly got to work, directing models, pinning gowns and ensuring each of the four mini fashion shows ran smoothly.

"Izzy brought a level of expertise and calm that set the tone for the whole event," Hime says. "We needed someone with the skills to come in the door ready to roll, and Izzy fit the bill perfectly. I greatly appreciate Dr. Irick's help directing me to such a wonderful student -- but also for the knowledge she and her fellow instructors have given to these students."

Entrepreneurship in a Unique Industry

Like Nichols, DMT alumna Oksana Aycock has showcased her design, merchandising and textiles expertise at multiple Wyoming bridal expos. For the past two years, she has presented her own line of bridal wear, including dresses and beaded veils, at expos in Lander.

A nontraditional student, Aycock came to the DMT Program with a master's degree in social work and years of experience in human resources. But, although she'd built a successful career, her heart wasn't in it.

When she and her family moved to Wyoming, Aycock discovered UW's DMT Program and decided to pursue her passion for fashion design. She graduated from the program in 2018, also earning a minor in apparel design.

Aycock especially appreciated the mentorship of current and past UW faculty members, including Irick, Donna Brown and Bruce Cameron.

"These professors, I will remember all of my life," she says. "I am very grateful for everything they have done for me, the knowledge and experience I received from them. They are amazing professionals and people."

Although she learned basic sewing skills in her youth, Aycock credits the DMT Program with her ability to design and produce high-quality bridal gowns and accessories.

"Now, I can make any pattern, absolutely anything, and I can make it by myself," she says.

Today, Aycock owns and operates two businesses in Riverton: Sunflower Alterations LLC and Sunflower Bride. After opening her alterations business in 2024, working from a single room at home, she gained a reputation for her high-quality work and began taking on more complex projects, including bridal alterations.

In the process, Aycock realized that she had a unique opportunity to serve brides in her community -- and beyond. Many of her clients sought alterations that would allow them to be comfortable during an outdoor wedding or wanted to add an element of "Western chic" to their gowns.

Aycock is expanding her bridal line to specialize in curvy and plus-sized gowns, in addition to providing alteration services for the local police department, sheriff's office, hospital staff and other community members.

Vital Service

Alterations and bridal wear shops, such as Aycock's and Carlson's, tend to be highly skilled, one-person operations. But they provide critical services that often are difficult to access in Wyoming, Kati Hime notes.

As the owners of LKH Bridal & Formal, Hime and her husband, Levi Hime, often field questions about alterations.

"Seamstress services are invaluable, not only serving to adjust the fit of special event attire but helping to extend the life of garments and repurpose clothing," Kati Hime says. "However, those with the skills are few and far between, especially in rural areas."

Carlson recognizes this issue as well. In addition to running her sewing studio, she recently began teaching free classes at a local library, helping teens learn to alter and mend their own clothes.

While she didn't enter the industry immediately after graduation, Carlson encourages recent graduates like Nichols to keep sewing and remain open to possibilities.

Nichols isn't sure yet whether business ownership is in her future, but she's excited to start an internship at WhatVest, a Laramie business specializing in custom-made outdoor apparel.

"To have talented, knowledgeable service providers within Wyoming that sprang from the University of Wyoming's program -- this is a rarely applauded function of the Design, Merchandising and Textiles Program that deserves a spotlight," Kati Hime says.

To learn more about UW's DMT Program, visit https://www.uwyo.edu/fcs/undergraduate-programs/design-merchandising-textiles/ or email Irick at [email protected].