This month we are highlighting our superstar screen printer, Aysha Learry (MO#1070). As a brand new Member-Owner of the ECCG, Aysha suggested the idea for screen printing our logo as a fun member social and before you knew it, we were fully engaged and planning this fun event! She is an inspiration, a fountain of creative energy, and a phenomenal teacher and leader! Aysha tells us a little about herself:

“I’m a Schenectady native. I went to Elmer before it became apartments and to Paige when they had three playgrounds. I grew up testing my limits at the original playground in Central Park playground, celebrating my birthday at Mi-sci or Jeepers, and still have my first library card from SCPL. 

“I began reading and painting with oils and Q-Tips as a toddler. Being the generation “Raised By Cable”, I learned about storytelling, color, and composition through cartoons & movies. As a teen I imagined being a fashion designer, however my SHS advisors guided me to apply to study illustration. I made it into my dream college, FIT, where I studied Fashion Illustration,  graduated in Textile Design, and began my first full-time job down the block from the stock market. 

“My career began as a teenager at SCPL and now my life is enriched by experiences in Art History, Entertainment & Hospitality, Textile Production, and Design Management. I never imagined I’d be living in the city and fantasizing about moving back home Upstate, but I know it was the correct first step backward.”

1.What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

I like how being involved directly improves my physical and nutritional health routines. I appreciate the sense of reciprocity amongst members through sharing skills and resources. Being a part of this has encouraged me to share my NYC experience in design and project planning with the co-op’s community outreach efforts. 

2.What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

My childhood friend put it best, “Schenectady was considered the weird kid growing up, and it should stay weird.” Having a grocery downtown would be a sign of prosperity to a town with such rich history. I’m glad to be one of the many people who have educational, family, and career foundations built here. 

3. What do you love about Schenectady?

The nature and that it is a “coming-of-age” area. It’s a “hometown” if you will. I can walk downtown think of happy, fun, or dramatic memories from my adolescence. Truly what I love about Schenectady is that all my life I couldn’t wait to run away to the city, and now that I’m back I can’t believe I almost missed being a part of its revival.