People Behind the Product Series: Justin Mckinstry

“Resilient, ambitious, determined”: ISAIC in a Nutshell 

Many people don’t realize Detroit is a hub for creatives, especially in the apparel industry. We don’t get the same attention as LA or NY, but Justin Mckinstry—this month’s Person Behind the Product series, would bet that Detroit’s talent could easily compete with those metropolitan cities. The community may be small, but it’s mighty! 

Justin has been employed in the fashion industry his whole life as a consultant, sewing line specialist, head designer, and store manager, working in retail stores like Detroit is the New Black. In addition to working full time, Justin—alongside his brothers, started a fashion brand in 2014.  

He made his way to ISAIC after his friend and mentor recommended the material handler position, and he interviewed and accepted the position. Justin started out making gowns and supporting the efficiency of the production line by strategically placing materials to prevent interruptions in the workflow. 

ISAIC is supporting Justin in jumpstarting his long-term career goals; He explains “I want to dive into manufacturing. With my brand, I want to own a factory and scale it with a sustainable vertical mission.” From sourcing locally grown cotton, creating fabric, sewing and selling products, Justin wants to do everything in house, while “signing designers and helping them to build their brands.”  

Beyond being creative, Justin is a community activist. He wants to spread the knowledge of pursuing a career in apparel manufacturing to kids from his neighborhood. Frequently, he has seen Black male youth fall victim to following the same paths, between music and sports, because they were never exposed to anything else. Justin explains that people need to know “that we are here. That ISAIC is here in Detroit. There are not many manufacturers here in Detroit and it is not like this. I wish they knew what we did before and what we're trying to do in the future.” 

Justin elaborates that “Before, in 2020 we made medical gowns and face masks and intermix t-shirts...There are a lot of things in the past two years that we didn’t share that more people should know. The amount of talent that is here-- people should know about it. It is the most impressive thing, the quality of the people. If they could take the amount of knowledge that is passed through here, I'd put it over any fashion city in the world.” 

Justin describes the future of ISAIC as transforming the industry by focusing on both workforce education, training and job creation. He envisions ISAIC working more closely with the community to equip them with new skills that will catapult their career opportunities, especially for Detroit Public School youth.  

For people interested in applying to work at ISAIC or enroll in a program, Justin shares “the best thing to do if you have no sewing experience, is to take FISP (Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing Program)—easy peasy lemon squeezy, which is the best way to get in; Lock in and see where you fit in. You can find a way to develop your own path.”  

Justin carved his own path, as he started out as a material handler and now, he’s learning other aspects of the business-like audit and inventory, shipping and receiving, invoicing as the Production Support Coordinator. During his time at ISAIC, Justin has refined his digital skills by mastering QuickBooks, Excel, and learning how to manage inventory on a defined schedule.  

Lastly, when asked “if people value sewers and creators?” Justin’s response reflects that of others within the industry. He says, “people don’t value sewers as its apparent with the pay, sometimes creators are valued depending on what you create.” The only way to change this is to “show people what goes on, what it takes to make a garment, and what it means to make something. People take for granted art and beauty.” 

To support Justin, follow his brand on social media and connect with him to learn more about his journey.