PFWA Academy
MEET THE
INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are working industry professionals — not just teachers. Every person on the PFWA Academy team brings real-world experience, a passion for education, and a commitment to developing the next generation of Midwest fashion creatives.
Discipline
STITCH & SEW
Kristi Smith
Peoria County 4-h yOUTH dEvelopment Coordinator/PFWA REP/lEAD sewing Instructor
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email to schedule a consultation
Instagram: @pfwacademyA passionate educator and fashion professional dedicated to teaching the art of sewing and garment construction. With years of hands-on industry experience, they bring real-world knowledge into every class, creating a supportive, creative environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive.
Education
Black Hawk College, East Campus Iowa State University
Certifications
- —Certified Sewing Instructor
- —Fashion Design Professional
Specialties
- —Sewing machine operation & safety
- —Pattern reading & fabric cutting
- —Garment construction & hemming
- —Creative design development
Accomplishments
- —Featured in Central Illinois fashion showcases
- —Designed original collections for PFWA runway events
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week — multiple seasons
- —Central Illinois Fashion Showcase
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Central Illinois creative community organizations
Teaching Philosophy
"Every student has a unique creative voice. My goal is to give them the technical foundation to express it confidently — stitch by stitch."
Aleesia (Khaleesi) Kimble
Sewing & Garment Construction Instructor
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email to schedule a consultation
Instagram: @pfwacademyA skilled sewing professional and educator who brings warmth, patience, and deep technical knowledge to every session. Committed to meeting students where they are and guiding them toward real creative growth — from their first stitch to finished garments they're proud to wear.
Education
Sail University/ Fashion Design
Certifications
- —Sewing & Textile Arts Instructor
- —Fashion Construction Specialist
Specialties
- —Beginner sewing fundamentals
- —Alterations and tailoring
- —Fabric selection and care
- —Student confidence building
Accomplishments
- —Contributed to PFWA student showcase collections
- —Developed curriculum for beginner sewing cohorts
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy Showcase
- —Central Illinois Creative Arts Exhibition
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Local textile and fabric arts community
Teaching Philosophy
"Sewing is a skill anyone can learn. I believe in creating a space where students feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and discover what they're capable of."
Dwight Bolden II
Sewing & Garment Construction Instructor
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email to schedule a consultation
Instagram: @pfwacademyA dedicated sewing educator who brings creativity, precision, and encouragement to every class. Passionate about helping students discover the joy of making — from foundational stitches to finished garments that reflect their personal style.
Education
Studied Broadcast Communications at Western Illinois University
Certifications
- —Sewing Instructor
- —Textile Arts Specialist
Specialties
- —Beginner sewing fundamentals
- —Machine operation and safety
- —Pattern reading and fabric cutting
- —Creative project development
Accomplishments
- —Supported PFWA student showcase productions
- —Developed hands-on curriculum for beginner cohorts
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy Showcase
- —Central Illinois Creative Arts Exhibition
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Central Illinois creative community
Teaching Philosophy
"The best thing about sewing is that every mistake is a lesson. I create a space where students feel free to experiment, grow, and build something they're genuinely proud of."
Discipline
MODEL CODE
Leilani Taylor
Lead Model Code Instructor
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Model Code inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyA working model and industry professional who brings firsthand runway, print, and commercial experience into every Model Code session. Dedicated to developing the whole model — not just the walk, but the mindset, professionalism, and personal brand that sets students apart in a competitive industry.
Education
University of Illinois
Certifications
- —Professional Model & Brand Coach
- —Runway & Presentation Specialist
Specialties
- —Runway walk and posing technique
- —Personal branding and image development
- —Confidence and stage presence
- —Industry professionalism and etiquette
Accomplishments
- —Represented PFWA on regional and national stages
- —Co-Founder of Peoria Fashion Week
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week — multiple seasons
- —Chicago regional fashion events
- —Central Illinois Fashion Showcase
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Regional modeling agencies and talent scouts
Teaching Philosophy
"Modeling is more than a walk — it's a presence. I teach students to own their identity, carry themselves with intention, and show up as the most powerful version of themselves."
Rayniah Anderson
Model Code Instructor
Programs
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Model Code inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyA dynamic model and creative professional with deep roots in the Central Illinois fashion scene. Passionate about empowering the next generation of models with the tools, technique, and confidence they need to succeed — both on and off the runway.
Education
Communications & Fashion Media
Certifications
- —Model Development Coach
- —Fashion Presentation Specialist
Specialties
- —Runway fundamentals and technique
- —Posing and editorial expression
- —Model branding and social presence
- —Youth model development
Accomplishments
- —Featured in PFWA runway productions across multiple seasons
- —Mentored emerging models through PFWA Academy programs
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week — multiple seasons
- —Bloomington-Normal fashion events
- —Central Illinois creative showcases
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Bloomington-Normal creative community
Teaching Philosophy
"Every student who walks into Model Code has something unique to offer. My job is to help them find it, refine it, and walk into any room like they belong there."
Instructor Name
Model Code Instructor
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Model Code inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyA passionate model and creative professional committed to developing the next generation of talent in Central Illinois. Brings energy, discipline, and real industry insight to every session — helping students build the confidence and skills to compete at any level.
Education
Fashion & Performing Arts
Certifications
- —Model Development Coach
- —Runway & Stage Presence Specialist
Specialties
- —Runway walk and technique
- —Posing and editorial expression
- —Confidence and stage presence
- —Personal brand development
Accomplishments
- —Featured in PFWA runway productions
- —Mentored emerging models through Academy programs
Fashion Shows
- —Peoria Fashion Week — multiple seasons
- —Central Illinois fashion showcases
Collaborations
- —Peoria Fashion Week Academy
- —Central Illinois creative community
Teaching Philosophy
"Confidence is a skill, not a trait. I help students build it from the ground up — one class, one walk, one breakthrough at a time."
Creative Disciplines
PHOTOGRAPHY, DJ & DESIGN
Ezra Murry
Lead Photography, Editorial Eye and DJ Instructor
Programs
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Photography program inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyA working fashion photographer and creative director with a sharp editorial eye and a passion for teaching. Brings real-world shoot experience — from studio setups to live runway coverage — into every class, helping students develop both technical skill and a distinctive visual voice.
Photography Disciplines
University of Champaign
Professional Credentials
- —Professional Fashion Photographer
- —Creative Direction Specialist
Specialties
- —Camera settings and exposure fundamentals
- —Studio and natural lighting techniques
- —Fashion editorial composition
- —Post-production and portfolio development
Accomplishments
- —Official photographer for Peoria Fashion Week productions
- —Editorial work featured in regional fashion publications
Selected Artist Collaborations
Label, Publishing & Industry Affiliations
Teaching Philosophy
"Great photography is about seeing — really seeing. I teach students to slow down, observe, and capture the story that's already there."
Tim Kelley
Lead Sound Engineering Instructor
Programs
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Sound Engineer program inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyPeoria native Tim Kelley is an internationally recognized music producer, songwriter, executive, multi-instrumentalist, and artist developer with more than three decades of experience in the entertainment industry. As one half of the acclaimed production duo Tim & Bob, Kelley has helped create and develop music for some of the most recognizable names in R&B, pop, and hip-hop. He brings real-world industry knowledge into the classroom, giving students insight into music production, sound engineering, songwriting, artist development, and building sustainable careers in entertainment.
Musical Foundation
Multi-instrumentalist with extensive professional experience in music production, songwriting, arrangement, recording, and artist development. Developed his musical foundation in Peoria and became proficient across numerous instruments while building his career in professional recording and production.
Professional Credentials
- —Grammy Award nominee — Best R&B Song, "Thong Song"
- —Co-Founder — Tim & Bob / The Funktwons
- —Former Vice President of Urban Music — SRG/ILS Group
- —Former Head of A&R — SRG/ILS Group
- —Founder — BeatCave
- —Producer • Songwriter • Executive Producer • Artist Developer
- —Recipient — Key to the City of Peoria
Specialties
- —Music production & audio engineering
- —Songwriting & composition
- —Artist development
- —A&R and talent identification
- —Vocal production & arrangement
- —Recording and studio development
- —Music business & entertainment strategy
- —Executive production
- —Creative direction
- —Multi-instrumental musicianship
- —Mentorship and career development
Accomplishments
- —Grammy-nominated songwriter for Sisqó's "Thong Song"
- —Contributed to Boyz II Men's Grammy-winning album II
- —Production work associated with TLC's Grammy-winning CrazySexyCool
- —Helped discover and develop R&B group 112
- —Produced and developed music for internationally recognized recording artists
- —More than three decades of professional entertainment-industry experience
- —Career body of work associated with major multi-platinum projects
- —Recognized by his hometown with the Key to the City of Peoria
Selected Artist Collaborations
Label, Publishing & Industry Affiliations
Teaching Philosophy
"The music industry rewards those who understand both the art and the business. I teach students to develop their craft, trust their instincts, and build careers that last."
Ezra Murry
Chief Visionary Officer/ Photography/Videography/DJ Instructor
Programs
Contact
thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.comContact via email for Graphic Design program inquiries
Instagram: @pfwacademyA working graphic designer and creative professional with a background in fashion brand identity, event design, and digital media. Passionate about helping students develop a strong visual language — from foundational design principles to a portfolio-ready body of work.
Design Disciplines
University of Champaign
Professional Credentials
- —Professional Graphic Designer
- —Adobe Creative Suite Specialist
Specialties
- —Brand identity and logo design
- —Fashion event flyers and promotional materials
- —Social media graphics and content creation
- —Portfolio development and presentation
Accomplishments
- —Designed visual identity for Peoria Fashion Week productions
- —Created marketing materials for Central Illinois fashion events
Selected Artist Collaborations
Label, Publishing & Industry Affiliations
Teaching Philosophy
"Design is communication. I teach students to think visually, tell stories through imagery and type, and build a body of work that speaks for itself."
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