Portland Fashion Institute started business as Portland Sewing in 2002 with a beginning sewing class for four students. The business grew to add classes in intermediate and advanced sewing.  In 2010, the institute added classes on the business of apparel.  In 2016, Oregon made it a licensed career institute, offering three programs aimed to give people the skills to start businesses and get jobs at apparel companies.  In 2019, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) accredited PFI.

Sharon Blair owns and directs Portland Fashion Institute.  Her goal was to create an affordable education while acting as a catalyst help creative talent to live their fashion dreams and gain the skills needed to start their own business or work at one of the 40+ apparel companies in Portland — or beyond.

Her apparel life began at age 4 when her Aunt Marilyn taught her to sew and Sharon made her first dress.  She went on to work more than 40 years first as a custom clothier, then creating three ready-to-wear clothing lines then as a business consultant and apparel contractor.  She has a BA, MA and advanced studies in apparel from the Paris American Academy.

She is on the board and a judge for local fashion organizations and several charities.  Sharon’s work has been featured in national and local publications. She has appeared on local and national television.