Her Story
About Suzanne
For fiber artist and educator Suzanne Connors, cloth is more than a material—it is a language that carries history, culture, and personal expression. Through her work, she invites others to slow down, work with intention, and discover the deep connection between handwork and community.
Suzanne is the founder of Aya Fiber Studio in Stuart, Florida, a nationally recognized teaching studio dedicated to textile arts and surface design. Over the past sixteen years, she has built Aya into a vibrant creative hub, welcoming students and internationally respected instructors from across the United States to study dyeing, printing, stitch, and contemporary fiber techniques.
Her own artistic practice focuses on traditional Japanese textile methods including indigo dyeing, shibori, katazome, and sashiko stitching. Suzanne studies these techniques through ongoing research and travel in Japan, bringing authentic tools, materials, and cultural context back to the artists she teaches.
In addition to teaching, Suzanne organizes immersive textile journeys to Japan that connect artists directly with master artisans and historic craft communities. These experiences reflect her belief that understanding the cultural roots of a tradition deepens both respect for the craft and the creative possibilities it offers.
Suzanne is also deeply committed to building community through the arts. Through Aya Fiber Studio and her leadership within regional arts organizations, she supports emerging artists, educational programs, and opportunities that keep textile traditions alive for future generations.
At the heart of her work is a simple philosophy: that the quiet act of making by hand—working with cloth, dye, and stitch—has the power to connect people, preserve cultural knowledge, and inspire creativity across cultures and generations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Suzanne
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, curiosity, and a deep respect for the traditions that inspire my work. Building Aya Fiber Studio has been a long journey that required patience, adaptability, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for artists. I have also been fortunate to learn from generous teachers and to be surrounded by a community of creative people who believe in the value of working by hand and sharing knowledge.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to be patient and keep doing the work. Building a creative life takes time. The most meaningful things—skills, community, and trust—grow slowly through persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay curious and keep learning. The most meaningful work grows slowly over time through dedication, relationships, and a willingness to share knowledge. When you lead with generosity and authenticity, you create spaces where others can grow alongside you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in the textile arts field is preserving traditional knowledge while adapting to a rapidly changing world. Many historic techniques—such as indigo dyeing, resist processes, and hand stitching—depend on mentorship and hands-on teaching to survive. At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity as more people are searching for slower, more meaningful creative practices. This renewed interest in craft is helping reconnect people with materials, cultural traditions, and the satisfaction of making something by hand.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value authenticity, curiosity, and respect for tradition. Much of my work centers on preserving textile knowledge while creating spaces where people can learn, experiment, and support one another. I believe the act of making by hand teaches patience, mindfulness, and appreciation for the cultural stories that live within craft.
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