Ridgefield native Amelia Natterstad has spent her entire life in the community. Her mother, Stephanie, also grew up in Ridgefield, as did her grandparents, John Jr. and Sue Hudson. Now, at just 17 years old, Amelia is preparing to trade familiar surroundings for New York City as she begins the next chapter of her creative journey.

Amelia attended Ridgefield High School for two years before transferring to Cascadia Technical Academy, where she earned certifications in 21st Century Skills, Fashion Design Studio, Sewing Construction and Textiles, and Fashion Design Merchandising I and II. She also received training in alterations and industrial sewing.

Leaving behind her parents, Joel and Stephanie, sisters Evalea and Juel, friends, and the community she has always called home is no small step. Yet Amelia is eager to embrace the opportunity.

Her creative journey began years ago through the Ridgefield Art Association, which first introduced her to the world of costume design.

When Amelia was in elementary school, the Ridgefield Art Association partnered with local children's authors to offer a reading theater program. Students read a book and then adapted it into a performance in just a few hours.

"It was my first time trying art other than sketching as a kid, and it made me love performances," Amelia said. "Ever since then I've wanted to work as a costume designer, especially for adaptations."

More than a decade later, Amelia is heading to Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College at The New School in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, where she plans to double major in Fashion Design and Screen Studies. Her long-term goal is to become a costume designer for film and eventually a fashion historian.

Earlier this year, Amelia experienced a full-circle moment when she was one of two students pursuing careers in the arts to receive a $500 scholarship from the Ridgefield Art Association. She also earned the Dennis Kampe Scholarship through Cascadia Technical Academy's Fashion Design Program and received a $16,000 annual merit scholarship from The New School.

Amelia's talents extend beyond fashion design. In 2024, she received an ESD 112 award at the Southwest Washington Regional High School Art Show. She also enjoys writing and creating screenplays.

What makes Amelia's artistic style unique is her ability to combine two favorite media: watercolor and sewing. Many of her fashion concepts begin as whimsical watercolor sketches before evolving into finished garments.

Her love of sewing began with her grandmother, an accomplished quilter who often made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Amelia helped create quilted bags that were later sold at local farmers markets.

"My grandma was an amazing artist," Amelia said. "I know she would've loved my plans for the future."

As she has grown as an artist, Amelia has also become passionate about sustainability and ethical fashion practices.

"I am very driven by my passion for sustainability and my hopes to make it in the fashion industry using ethical practices and advocating for the victims of slave labor in fast fashion," she said.

From a childhood theater program in Ridgefield to one of the nation's premier design schools, Amelia is proving that big dreams can begin in small communities. Ridgefield will be cheering her on as she begins her next chapter in New York City.