Fresno teen finds a way to capitalize on American Girl Doll trend

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- American Girl Dolls are getting a lot more fashionable thanks to teenage seamstress Alycia Gonzales.

"When I was 13 my grandma bought me my own sewing machine and she taught me how to sew, and I also took classes, and now I make my own patterns for my doll clothes."

The Fresno girl has been sewing for the past two years and now she has formed her own business-- Alycia Hope Designs. She sells her handmade creations at Vivily Vintage and Handmade in Central Fresno.

Gonzales is a part of each piece of clothing from start to finish.

"So I cut out the pattern first and then I start sewing, I put everything into place, and then, after I'm done, I put it on the doll to make sure that it fits."

Gonzales sews three different sizes of American Girl Doll outfits to appeal to more customers; each takes about an hour.

As a designer, Gonzales said she chooses patterns that appeal to kids-- her outfits start at $18. At 15, she is already learning important business lessons.

"Part of it goes back into my business and I'm also saving up to buy a Singer to help with my sewing."

Investments that are already paying off-- Gonzales said she is also learning marketing and using Instagram to showcase her work. She said sewing has given her an outlet to express herself.

"It feels interesting the way you think of something in your head and all of a sudden you make it and then you get a hold and put it on a doll or yourself. It feels very powerful that you can create something."

Creations that are helping dolls to look their best and a passion you can see sewn into each outfit.