A Celebration of Youth Creativity and Individuality
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Youth Life Center of the Arts in Riverdale, Georgia, brought energy and inspiration to the stage with its annual summer camp showcase, “BYOB — Be Your Own Brand.” Through a dynamic blend of fashion, music, modeling, and community building, the event showcased the individuality and raw talent of local youth.
Igniting Passion and Purpose
Leading this empowering initiative, Claressa Williams continues to shape young minds as the driving force behind the Youth Life Center of the Arts summer camp. Designed for students in grades 4 through 8, the program goes beyond traditional academics by helping participants uncover their passions and develop valuable life skills.
Williams, who has spent years amplifying the voices of young people, emphasized the importance of young people exploring their own interests. “When kids are younger, parents often enroll them in programs just to keep them busy,” she explained. “But as they grow, it’s so important to let them choose what they love and build real-world skills early on.”
Building Skills Through Creativity
Throughout the summer, the camp offered a wide range of hands-on workshops that encouraged creativity and practical learning. Under the mentorship of fashion instructor Vanessa Henderson, whose program is the Van Miller Sewing Academy, students dove into sewing and design fundamentals, transforming their clothing ideas into tangible creations.
Simultaneously, in the music workshops led by Josh Covil and Synseer, campers engaged in instrument lessons and collaborated on an original song. The final performance of their track became a showstopper, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience and reinforcing the value of artistic expression.
Moreover, the camp emphasized the importance of community building. By working in teams, students learned to share ideas, support one another, and present their collaborative projects with pride. This emphasis on teamwork culminated in an uplifting showcase where families, friends, and community members celebrated each group’s journey.
Elevating Young Models
One of the most anticipated segments of the event spotlighted aspiring models, guided by professional model coach Yumi Azeiko. As the founder of the newly launched Model Coach Yumi Academy, Azeiko brings a wealth of experience and a mission to mentor youth with the tools she once wished for as a newcomer to the industry.
“Modeling is an art form that’s often misunderstood or neglected these days,” Azeiko said. “I want to show kids the fundamentals—the confidence, the discipline, and the professionalism—so they’re fully prepared and supported if they choose this path.”
Notably, this showcase marked the debut of the Model Coach Yumi Academy, which is held in partnership with the Youth Life Center of the Arts. Looking ahead, the center’s next round of sessions is already underway, set to culminate in the Youth Life Center of The Arts Finale Showcase on July 26. This follow-up event will provide students with another exciting opportunity to showcase their growth and evolving skills.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
As the Youth Life Center of the Arts continues to expand its reach, its mission remains clear: to create uplifting and creative spaces where young people can discover who they are and what they’re capable of. Through programs like “BYOB — Be Your Own Brand,” the center not only nurtures talent but also reinforces the community’s commitment to raising a confident, purpose-driven generation.