Member Stories
New York Embroidery Studio
For Michelle Feinberg (she/her), founder of New York Embroidery Studio (NYES), building a business has always been about more than just making beautiful things—it’s about creating opportunity, community, and culture.
Michelle began her career in high fashion over 30 years ago. Today, NYES is a full-service design and manufacturing powerhouse producing everything from dazzling Met Gala looks to military uniforms and PPE, all in NYC. “We blend creativity with scale,” she says. “Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind runway piece or millions of government-issued gowns, we treat every project with the same level of care and innovation.”
NYES’s impact extends beyond the studio floor. At its core is a commitment to community—training the next generation, creating real jobs, and showing what’s possible when you build with intention. “I started NYES because I wanted to offer both artistic expression and real career opportunities. It was about creating a place where skill, talent, and heart could thrive.”
As an LGBTQ+ business owner, Michelle sees visibility as vital: “It’s about showing up fully and making space for others to do the same—especially in industries where we’re still underrepresented. I want LGBTQ+ folks, especially queer youth, to see that they can build something powerful and lasting on their own terms.”
One of her proudest moments? When NYES pivoted during the height of the pandemic to produce life-saving PPE for frontline workers. “It reminded us what we’re capable of—and why we do what we do.”
The studio continues to evolve—investing in sustainable practices and embracing new technologies like 3D printing. But the mission stays the same: to make things that matter, and to do it with care.
Michelle’s advice to fellow LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs: “Start. You belong in every room—and if the room doesn’t fit you, build your own.”