Hello, I'm Lesley Ware (née Williams).

I'm an author, educator, + the founder of Art to Ware, a wearable art gallery + sustainable fashion community in Manhattan. Since 2021, Art to Ware has been a place where independent designers, artists, + makers can share their work, connect with new audiences, and celebrate creativity through fashion. Coming from a super small Midwestern town, I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to build a space where artists, designers, and community could come together in New York City.

Over the past five years, we've welcomed thousands of visitors, showcased the work of independent artists, connected creatives with new customers + opportunities to grow their own small businesses, provided internships for dozens of high school + college students, hosted community events, + created a space where art and fashion intersect in an accessible, joyful way.

Asking for help has never come naturally to me.

For months, I've tried to bridge this challenging season through teaching, writing, consulting, applying for jobs, expanding Art to Ware, negotiating payment plans, and pursuing every opportunity I could find. I truly hoped I wouldn't need to create a fundraiser. But here we are.

While running a small business in New York, I have been traveling back and forth to Michigan, all year, to care for my mother during a serious health crisis. At the same time, Art to Ware experienced a significant robbery, lost it's primary location lease, relocated to a new home at Fulton Center, + continued working to rebuild. Although we've made meaningful progress, the combination of these unexpected challenges has left us at a critical moment. While the momentum is real, we need a bridge to reach long-term stability.

This campaign isn't about giving up. It's about creating the stability needed to reach the next chapter.

My goal is to raise $22,000 to help stabilize Art to Ware while we continue growing. Your support will help us:

• Keep our Fulton Center location operating as revenue continues to grow.

• Catch up on essential business obligations .

• Continue providing opportunities for independent designers + artists.

• Sustain community programming + educational events.

• Allow me to continue caring for my mother, Gwendolyn, while rebuilding the business.

Over the past several months, I've done everything I could think of: sewing, teaching, opening a new location, applying for jobs, negotiating payment plans, downsizing, seeking grants + new partnerships, and working every opportunity available.

I'm not asking because I've given up. I'm asking because I've reached the point where I can't do this alone.

If Art to Ware has inspired you, introduced you to an incredible designer, brought a little more creativity into your life, or if you simply believe independent businesses + community spaces like A2W deserve to exist, I would be deeply grateful for your support. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build the bridge to our next chapter.

Thank you for believing in independent designers, creative community, + the future of Art to Ware. Whether you're able to contribute, share this campaign, or simply cheer us on, your support means more than I can express. Thank you for helping me build this next chapter.