Falanne Jenkins
Personal Profile
I am a multidisciplinary designer and technician with a background in aviation, aerospace, and fashion. My career began in the U.S. Navy, where I trained in avionics and developed the discipline and precision I carry into my work today. After the military, I transitioned into roles supporting NASA, including helping prototype and construct the Artemis Moon Suit with Axiom Space and PRADA.
Now pursuing my degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising with a minor in Product Development and a concentration in Visual Merchandising, I’m combining my technical expertise with creative vision. I’m passionate about innovation, prototyping, and developing meaningful designs that solve real problems—especially at the intersection of function and fashion.
Education
2022-2026
Central Michigan University
Through hands-on coursework and studio-based projects, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the fashion industry, from concept development to consumer presentation. My studies focus on apparel construction, visual merchandising, product development, trend forecasting, and textile science. I’ve developed strong skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, creative direction, and market-driven design thinking. Highlights include creating visual merchandising manuals, designing collections based on trend research, and exploring sustainable sourcing practices.
2006-2010
Warren G. Harding High School
I earned my high school diploma at WGH. I enjoyed art classes and computer programming classes. At the time I was aspiring to be an animator or computer programmer.
Skills
Sewing & Garment Construction
-
Proficient in domestic and industrial machines: standard, serger, cover stitch, post, bartack, off-arm, zigzag
-
Skilled in techniques: flatlock, rolled hem, buttonhole, walking foot, stay stitching, hand sewing
-
Experience with structured and unstructured garments, alterations, and functional sewn products
-
Sewing machine troubleshooting and maintenance
Design & Merchandising
-
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
-
Mood boards, color theory, trend forecasting, fashion history
-
Visual merchandising principles and store layout planning
-
Product development fundamentals and sustainable sourcing research
Technical & Mechanical
-
Wiring, soldering, PCB assembly, cable harnessing (NASA and military experience)
-
Reading and interpreting mechanical, electrical, and garment schematics
-
Team collaboration, technical documentation, and prototyping with engineers
Experience
Space Suit Sewing Technician
KBR, Houston, TX | 2022–Present
-
Specialized in Class I and Class III work on NASA's Artemis Moon suits
-
Sewed all layers of pressure garments and space station softgoods
-
Collaborated on PRADA x Axiom Space prototype and final suit builds
Owner & Sewist
Hey Hunter, Houston, TX | 2016–Present
-
Create custom clothing, teach sewing skills, and service sewing machines
-
Perform promotional sewing for fabric companies to showcase new textiles
-
Work with a variety of machines and materials to create both apparel and product samples
Electro-Mechanical Technician
Jacobs, Houston, TX | 2021–2022
-
Fabricated mechanical and electrical assemblies for NASA's XEMU.
-
Built wiring harnesses and followed technical schematics
-
Managed inventory, cleaned components, and performed quality checks
Avionics Technician
NanoRacks, Houston, TX | 2020–2021
-
Built internal and external cables and circuit boards for the Bishop Airlock
-
Sewed blackout covers and hardware sleeves for spaceflight mockups
-
Supported Time Magazine’s Felix & Paul ISS camera project
Gas Recovery Technician
DTE Biomass Energy | TX & NC | 2017–2020
-
Monitored gas composition and maintained equipment across multiple sites
-
Managed technical reports and facilitated operational meetings
-
Designed and sewed custom safety gear for field use
Avionics Technician
U.S. Navy, Norfolk, VA | 2010–2017
-
Maintained and repaired H60 helicopters and electrical systems
-
Specialized in wiring, troubleshooting, schematic reading, soldering
-
Modified uniforms for shipmates as needed
