I recently attended both the beginner and intermediate sewing classes at Soul Collections Sewing Lounge. While there are some positives, overall, I would not recommend the classes to someone looking for structured, hands-on instruction.
The biggest challenge was the size of the classes. There were far more students than the space and staffing could reasonably support. Often, only Shannon (the owner) and her niece Danica were available to help, and although they are welcoming and clearly passionate about sewing, it was difficult to get the guidance needed. Shannon is also managing her alterations business as well as the children's classes next door during class time, which meant she was frequently pulled away. Instructions tended to be brief and high-level, with little opportunity for follow-up or clarification. Foundational skills, like threading a bobbin, were not covered thoroughly.
On a positive note, Cynthia, one of the instructors, was absolutely wonderful. She is patient, knowledgeable, and truly has a gift for teaching. Whenever Cynthia was available, the learning experience improved significantly.
As for the intermediate class, I did not feel it was worth the $250 cost. There was minimal structured instruction, and students were often left to figure things out independently. If you are looking for a space to work on your own projects with access to supplies and equipment, it could still be a useful option. However, if you are paying for the expectation of hands-on teaching and skill-building, it may not meet your needs.
I also paid an additional $50 for supplies, but unfortunately, not all items were provided due to backorders, and there was no clear follow-up on when they would arrive.
Soul Collections has a lot of potential because the passion and creativity are definitely there. With smaller class sizes, more structure, and a greater focus on direct instruction, it could become a truly outstanding place to learn. I hope to see it grow in that direction.