Help Jaylin Achieve Her SCAD Education

This gown was the featured piece in my portfolio.

My name is Jaylin Rutledge and I am 19 years old. When I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune illness. Despite this, it has been my dream to be a fashion designer. I was five years old when my grandmother taught me to sew. I wanted to make dresses for my Barbie dolls, so she gave me one of her sewing kits. From that day on, I have explored my interest in fashion and design in every way I could, from sewing tiny doll dresses to walking in fashion shows. However, it wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school, after a business and economics class, that I realized I aspired to turn my beloved hobby into a career, not just a career but a business; potentially an empire. This is how “Lin-Simone” was born. Lin-Simone is my namesake fashion brand, it’s a dream that has grown with me. Lin-Simone’s mission is to be a fashion brand that celebrates the creativity and uniqueness of every person who wears it. Lin-Simone aims to create dynamic and expressive designs for women.

While I was a junior in high school my family and I became homeless, despite this I still finished junior year with A's and B's. At the beginning of my senior year, my family moved to Columbus, Georgia. At the time I was going through a severe mental health crisis, battling depression and anxiety. Despite everything, I graduated with a 3.9 GPA. After I graduated high school, I applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It is the top school in Georgia for fashion design, and it is my dream to study there. I was so excited when I found out that I was accepted. I immediately began applying for scholarships and financial aid. I have been awarded 5 scholarships from my school and 2 outside scholarships and am still waiting to hear back from others, as well as receiving the maximum financial aid. However, I found out that these won't be enough to cover my education expenses for this semester. Last week I found out that I will no longer be receiving the Georgia Hope scholarship because I was homeschooled. Because of this, I can no longer afford my first semester. My school does not allow students to participate in work-study during the first semester. I need an additional $9000 to cover my first semester.

My family and I have been working hard to make my dream a reality, but I've realized that it is time to ask for help. I am reaching out to the community now to ask for help funding my education. Every little bit helps, and if you aren't able to donate I just ask that you share this.

Thank you,

Jaylin

The pink dress is my sister's birthday dress that I designed.