From Empty Nester to Entrepreneur

When Diane Lewis became an empty nester, she decided it was finally time to put herself first and go back to school.

“I put my ambitions on hold to support my husband and raise my three children,” she said. Now that her kids are grown and pursuing careers in healthcare, Lewis feels like she’s accomplished her mission. With her family’s full support, she knew it was her turn to chase her dreams.

“My kids are my biggest cheerleaders,” she shared. “They gave me great advice to make my transition easier, like setting office hours with my teachers, asking for help, and sticking to a study schedule.” That advice paid off.

After completing 18 credit hours at Illinois Central College, Lewis transferred to Bradley University to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. “I’ve always wanted to start my own business,” she said.

Her inspiration struck during a class discussion about waste in the apparel industry. With 30 years of sewing experience, Lewis saw an opportunity to make a difference. She pitched her idea for Sewsation, a nonprofit focused on reducing apparel waste by repairing and recycling clothing, in Bradley’s 2023 Social Impact Competition. She placed second, which kickstarted the Sewsation Apparel Sustainability Club on campus, and this year will launch, Sewsation on the Go, taking the repair services "on the road" to locations around the city.

“If one woman can start the American Red Cross, I believe Sewsation can help eliminate clothing waste and redirect donations to those in need,” she said. Her passion resonated: An on-campus recruiting event brought in 30 student volunteers in just one hour.

Sewsation now hosts regular campus events where members repair clothing and collect donations for local organizations like Goodwill and Pathway Ministries. At “Sustainability Night” during a Bradley men's basketball game, the group repaired clothing and also distributed educational brochures designed by our club to over 2,500 attendees. 

Through it all, Lewis credits her success to the support she’s received at Bradley. “My teachers, classmates, and programs like the Honors Program and Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation have been incredibly supportive,” she said.

Her journey proves it’s never too late to pursue your dreams—or start a business. “I’ll be the first of my siblings to earn a degree, and my kids couldn’t be prouder that their mom is in Bradley’s Honors Program and leading a campus club.”

—Emily Potts