For all three generations of one family - a great aunt, niece and her daughter - a shared love of fashion design has strengthened their already unbreakable bond.

Hannah Graham graduated from a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE NSW Wollongbar in 2018.

Miss Graham’s Mother and Great Aunt both also studied Fashion at TAFE NSW. Her Great Aunt founded the successful bridal store, Jannetta’s, which she later sold to her niece and Miss Graham’s mother, Leanne Graham.

Miss Graham has now secured full time employment at Bianca Spender as a Design Coordinator, what she says is her “dream job”.

“I have been working there for a year now and I love it, it’s really hands on and Bianca involves all of her staff in the creative process; so I get a lot of input which is amazing. It’s so satisfying to see a finished piece of her collections.”

Speaking on her decision to choose a career in fashion, Miss Graham said she decided to pursue what came naturally to her.

“I’ve been sewing since I was little because it runs in my family. Everyone in my family knows how to sew, so I was taught when I was quite young.

“I would watch my mother turn a piece of white fabric into a woman’s dream wedding gown and I just thought it was the most beautiful form of work.

“My mum would tell me when you have designed someone’s dream wedding gown, it’s really satisfying and rewarding. She definitely encouraged me to pursue fashion once I started talking about it as a career option,” said Miss Graham.

“I can’t speak high enough of my teachers at TAFE NSW, they made classes really interesting and they were all so supportive. I was accepted into a number of universities but I chose to go to TAFE NSW because I know the teaching standard is so high and the practical lessons are so hands on.”

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au