A Movement as It Becomes Itself
Betsy Franjola spent decades building a career in the garment industry in Los Angeles.
She could have stayed.
Instead, she packed up her knowledge, experience, and belief in what was possible and drove home to Ohio.
Her story reflects something larger happening across Appalachia.
People are returning. Investing. Teaching. Learning. Building.
Not because the path is easy, but because they believe in the potential of their communities.
We Make Your Clothes follows these individuals as they work to create something that doesn’t yet fully exist: a new model of American manufacturing rooted in local talent, shared purpose, and economic opportunity.
This is not a story about a finished movement.
It’s a story about a movement becoming itself.
About the Series
This multipart series documents the real-time effort to build a next-generation model of domestic manufacturing through the Hocking Hills Garment Center.
Rather than looking back on a completed success story, viewers are invited into the journey as it unfolds.
The challenges are real. The stakes are high. And the people involved are helping write the next chapter of Appalachian economic development.
Produced Through Partnership
We Make Your Clothes is produced and directed by Erin Harper and executive produced by Future Plans.
For the past 20 months, cameras have followed the people, partnerships, and progress behind an ambitious effort to build a new model for manufacturing and economic opportunity in Appalachia. Filming continues as the story unfolds.
The result is a still-developing documentary series that offers an authentic look at both the challenges and possibilities of creating meaningful work in rural America.
“I have found this to be the most rewarding, exciting adventure that I’ve had in my entire life.”
Stephanie Katterhernich
Learn More
Learn more about the movement, follow behind-the-scenes updates, and stay connected to the story by visiting Erin Harper’s website and following We Make Your Clothes on Instagram.
