TIRACOOKS just received the 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant.

I know—it's been a minute since you've heard from me here. Every time I'd sit down to write, something would pull me away. A hem that needed finishing. A pattern that wasn't quite right. Life doing what life does. But right now, with my Philly Fashion Week show literally 9 days away, I'm finally making the time because this news is too good to keep to myself. I need to tell you all about it—not just because I'm buzzing with excitement, but because if you're a creative in Philly who's been hesitant to put yourself out there, this might be exactly what you need to hear. Taking the Leap (Even When You're Scared!)

Back in November, I did something that terrified me: I applied for my first grant as an artist. There. I said it. The thing that so many of us are scared to talk about as new artists—grants. They feel intimidating, don't they? Like they're reserved for people who've been in the game longer, or who have bigger portfolios, or who just... know more than we do. But here's what I learned: the only way to get over that fear is to carve out the time, sit down, and fill out the damn applications! That's it. That's the secret.

What is the Illuminate the Arts Grant?

Let me break down what this grant actually is, because if you're an artist or creative entrepreneur in Philadelphia, you need to know about this. The Illuminate the Arts Grant (ITAG) was designed to do exactly what its name suggests—illuminate the artists and organizations that make Philadelphia glow. This isn't just another funding opportunity. It's a program specifically created to strengthen and financially uplift Philly's creative sector, with a particular focus on artists and organizations rooted in communities that have been historically underfunded or excluded from traditional arts support.

We're talking about $1.5 million being distributed across individual artists, small and mid-size arts organizations, and small creative enterprises throughout Philadelphia. The goal? To recognize and sustain creative practice while expanding access to the arts in economically marginalized neighborhoods. Established by Philadelphia City Council in 2021 to help the creative sector recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, ITAG has evolved into an ongoing investment in Philadelphia's cultural ecosystem. It supports artists and organizations whose work enhances the city's vibrancy, resilience, and quality of life. It's administered by Creative Philadelphia in collaboration with the Illuminate the Arts Grant Advisory Committee, ensuring funds are distributed efficiently and equitably.

The eligibility requirements are uniquely geared to meet the needs of the local arts and culture community. You must be based in Philadelphia County, and the grants support:

• Individual artists with a 2024 total annual income of $66,850 or less can apply for grants ranging from $1,000-$2,000. (And if you claim dependents, there are higher maximum income limits—check the application when it opens.)

• Small nonprofit arts organizations with 2024 operating budgets of $100,000 or less can apply for grants ranging from $3,000-$5,000.

• Mid-size nonprofit arts organizations with budgets between $100,000-$500,000 can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$7,000.

• Small creative enterprises with operating budgets less than $500,000 can apply for grants ranging from $5,000-$7,000.

I applied as an individual artist and was awarded $1,000. And let me tell you—I was absolutely shocked when I got the news.

Who Can Apply?

We were allowed to submit 10 photos total to showcase our portfolio. Ten images to tell the story of TIRACOOKS, to show what I've accomplished since I started learning to sew back in August 2024 as a self-taught seamstress using creativity and emotion as my guide. Choosing those photos was strategic. I wanted to give the grant committee a wide range—showing not just the clothes, but the brand, the vision, the moment-making magic that TIRACOOKS is all about.

Curating My Story: The 10 Photos That Made the Case

First impressions matter. I needed them to see the TIRACOOKS logo right away—the one that proudly features "Philadelphia" in the design. Those signature pink brand colors set the mood for what's coming next. It familiarizes them with an upcoming brand they'll be funding, so when they see our pieces anywhere else in the city, they'll remember us.

Photo 1: The Logo

This is what speaks to me as a fashion designer. The corseting, the lines on the bodice creating a directional path for the eyes to travel up and down the model's silhouette. A strapless dress with lines that run parallel to her collarbone. Sparkles from embroidered fabric and the corset giving that feminine touch—the kind that makes people stop mid-stride.

Photo 2: The Corsetry

Bright salmon pink taffeta with hints of silver woven into the fabric, displaying lily flower prints throughout. A two-piece set featuring a matching knee-length box pleated skirt with a fixed waistband.

Photo 3: Taffeta Set

A classic crop top and high-waisted shorts. The 1950s-inspired crop top is made from embroidered stretch velvet fabric with black satin trimmings. The high-waisted shorts feature an abstract pattern print from Canada. Retro-chic with a TIRACOOKS twist.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Photo 4: Millenial Vintage Glamour

What do you wear to see a New York City sunset? A silk taffeta overbust corset, obviously. Paired with a matching mini bubble skirt made from embroidered black stretch velvet fabric, and topped off with the WOLF clutch—dyed green calfskin with gold-plated letters spelling TCOOKS. Because your accessories should travel with you everywhere, waiting for their chance to shine.

Photo 5: NYC Sunset Ready

Another take on that 1950s-inspired crop top in embroidered stretch velvet with black satin trimmings, this time paired with a matching mini bubble skirt. The embroidered black stretch velvet has become a signature fabric throughout the collection, tying everything together.

Photo 6: Black Velvet

A 1950s-inspired dress—fit and flare with a full circle skirt made from that abstract pattern print from Canada. Timeless silhouette, bold fabric. The kind of dress that makes the sidewalk your runway.

Photo 7: Fit and Flare

A black and white photo of me in 7-inch heels (because yes, they absolutely travel everywhere with me) wearing a dramatic puff sleeve midi dress with small bows at the top of the shoulders. This photo is about confidence, about owning who you are and what you create.

Photo 8: Fierce in Heels

This burgundy handbag is made of faux leather with satin lining inside. Hand-painted on the exterior is a deconstructed hibiscus flower—you've been seeing this motif throughout the collection in the embroidered black stretch velvet. It's all connected.

Photo 9: The Burgundy Bag

A revamped version of a Potli bag—a traditional Indian bag with a top handle and drawstring closure. Often used as accessories for weddings and festivals, these small pouches are characterized by their cinched top, decorative embroidery, and feather trimmings. Taking tradition and making it TIRACOOKS.

Photo 10: Potli Bag Reimagined

This was a major moment for me. I genuinely can't explain how excited I was when I found out I'd be rewarded. To Philadelphia, to Creative Philadelphia, to the council members who created this program—thank you for accepting us artists who create in this amazing city. Here's the really important part: this program is open to all who are within the Philadelphia region.

I will forever promote this as a resource for all small businesses, because we need the funding in the startup stages. But more importantly, we sometimes need that pat on the back from someone outside our circle to validate our dreams and push us forward in our goals and aspirations.

Why This Matters (Just Go Apply)

In case you're new here (welcome!), let me tell you what makes TIRACOOKS different. We're a women-owned, minority business—a clothing brand that doesn't just sell you finished pieces. We offer you the resources to create garments inspired by current runway collections yourself.

We offer women's apparel, accessories (hello, handbags), sewing patterns, and sewing lessons. On our e-commerce site, you'll find both free and paid sewing patterns, plus one-on-one guided sewing lessons for the community. Whether you want to strengthen your existing sewing skills or dive into a new hobby, we're here for you.

Because TIRACOOKS is for women who love pieces that feel good, look bold, and make people stop mid-stride. Women who love color, love pattern, love a moment. Our pieces spark that "Wait, where did you get that?" from strangers. And if you're the kind of woman who lives for that—for the conversation starter, the confidence boost, the tiny bit of woven magic—then you're exactly who we design for.

What TIRACOOKS Is All About

Eight days until the Philly Fashion Week show. One thousand dollars to invest back into this dream. And a heart full of gratitude for this city, this community, and everyone who's supported TIRACOOKS from day one!

Love You All

Looking Forward