Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski is the founder of Sew Loka, a community-driven textile art studio in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Claudia transforms reclaimed fabrics into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that weave together personal history, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness. From collaborating with pro sports teams like the San Diego Wave and San Diego FC to teaching teens how to upcycle thrifted finds, her work proves that sewing is alive and thriving.
This Episode:
How can a needle and thread become a force for cultural preservation, sustainability, and self-expression?
In this lively conversation, Claudia shares how her father’s denim business planted the seeds for her creative path, why she’s committed to slow fashion over fast trends, and how Sew Loka has grown into a hub for artistry and connection. She talks about the meditative rhythm of sewing, the power of “grandma crafts” to calm the mind and inspire the next generation, and the importance of reclaiming erased histories through art. Along the way, Claudia reveals why each piece she makes carries a narrative — from honoring her Chicana heritage to advocating for our planet — and how she’s building community one stitch at a time.
Key Moments:
[4:15] Why denim is both a family legacy and an environmental challenge
[12:25] Claiming the title of “artist” when others might deny it
[18:58] The contagious pride of fixing or customizing your own clothes
[27:25] Sewing as in-the-moment therapy and a pathway to mindfulness
[35:31] Art as resilience in a time of polarization and disconnection
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Sew Loka – Community-based textile art studio in Barrio Logan
- Skills Pay Bills Podcast – Claudia’s podcast that focuses on local makers and creators.
- Arts: A Reason to Survive – A nonprofit offering arts programs for youth, including Sew Loka sewing classes
- SDFC’s Playmakers Program – An initiative that seeks to identify and showcase the talent of San Diego creatives who are contributing to the culture, substance, and flow of our community
Take Action:
- Mend & Upcycle – Try repairing or customizing a piece you already own to extend its life.
- Support Slow Fashion – Seek out and invest in makers who prioritize sustainability and originality.
- Host a Creative Gathering – Build connection by making art with others, whether it’s sewing, knitting, or painting.
- Preserve Cultural Stories – Use your craft to honor and document the traditions that shaped you.
- Share Skills – Teach someone a “grandma craft” and help pass on sustainable, creative practices.
Credits:
This is a production of the Prebys Foundation
Hosted by Grant Oliphant
Co-Hosted by Crystal Page
Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield
Engineered by Adam Greenfield
Production Coordination by Tess Karesky
Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina
The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.
Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPodcast.org
Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team
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