Vision Statement

To empower Eastern women in the Greater Toronto Area by offering affordable, uniquely tailored garments that celebrate individuality and cultural heritage.

Our Story

Founded in 2025 in Ajax, Ontario, Artisan Apparel Co-operative was created by a passionate group of artisans brought together through a Worker Co-operative Development Program. From the start, we connected over a shared love for sewing, design, and craftsmanship — and a mutual frustration: the difficulty of finding high-quality, tailor-made clothing in Canada.

In our personal search for well-fitted, custom garments, we realized how rare it was to find skilled seamstresses and personalized service in the Greater Toronto Area. Rather than settling for off-the-rack fashion, we decided to create our own solution — a co-operative that offers bespoke clothing services tailored to each client’s unique needs.

We believe that fashion should be more than just trend-following. It should celebrate your cultural heritage, reflect your individual style, and fit your body perfectly.

Together, we bring over 100 years of collective experience in sewing, fashion design, and business management. From casual wear to special occasion outfits, every piece we create is crafted with care, precision, and pride in our artistry.

At Artisan Apparel, we don’t just make clothes — we make garments that tell your story

Founders & Management Team

At Artisan Apparel Co-operative, our leadership team reflects the diversity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines our brand. Each member brings unique expertise, cultural heritage, and a shared passion for fashion and craftsmanship.

  • A woman wearing a white hijab, an olive green jacket, and gold earrings, smiling and standing against a plain white background.

    Emma Shaikh

    Director of Administration

    Emma is an Indo-Canadian professional with a background in accountancy and business administration. With over 20 years of experience in IT and project management, she’s the one who keeps our operations on track and our team organized. Emma is passionate about building inclusive spaces where women can lead, collaborate, and thrive. She believes that with the right systems in place, creativity can truly flourish

  • A woman with long, wavy gray hair smiling at the camera, wearing a burgundy blazer over a black top, gold earrings, and a necklace, against a plain white background.

    Madiha Baloch

    Director of Finance

    Born and raised in Pakistan, Madiha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and has worked in clothing retail for several years. Her love for fashion and numbers makes her the perfect person to handle our finances. She brings a calm, thoughtful presence to our team — and always has a great eye for trends that resonate with our clients. Madiha is driven by the dream of making custom fashion more accessible for women from all walks of life.

  • A woman wearing a beige hijab with floral details and matching gown, standing against a plain light blue background.

    Naima Adem

    Director of Design & Innovation

    Naima is a proud Eritrean-Canadian and a graduate of the Fashion Design program at George Brown College. Her creative vision and attention to detail shape the unique aesthetic of our brand. Naima blends traditional influences with modern silhouettes, creating garments that are both meaningful and stylish. For her, designing isn’t just about clothes — it’s about telling stories through fabric, color, and form.

  • A woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a black shirt with white polka dots and black pants, standing against a plain wall.

    Sharifa Shaheen

    Director of Production & Quality Control

    Sharifa comes from Afghanistan and brings over two decades of hands-on experience in sewing, tailoring, and alterations. Originally trained as a teacher, she found her true joy

    working with fabric and perfecting the craft of garment making. She leads our production team with patience, skill, and care — ensuring that every stitch meets our highest standards. For Sharifa, quality isn’t just a goal — it’s a reflection of pride in her work.