Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Johnson.
Hi Kristen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
When I made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom, I was looking for a creative outlet. I wanted to find something that was fulfilling for me and also challenged me in a very different way than the challenges of motherhood. I started out embroidering simple monograms and names on clothing for my own three kids, but then realized how much I loved what I did and saw the potential for growth. I began to experiment with new products like ornaments, bags, and hats, and also with creating my own designs and using embroidery to bring handwriting and artwork to life. I never really envisioned myself as a small business owner, but now I can’t imagine my life without this. It has been such a fun journey to push myself to try new things and create new products for my customers!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been bumps in the road as I have navigated this business. One of the biggest obstacles that I have faced is managing my time to make sure that I prioritize my family and my health over my business. I am so blessed that this business has grown very quickly, but with that growth has come more time, commitment, and sacrifice. There were many times where I worked long hours with little sleep, which impacted my health and my ability to be the mom and wife that my family deserves. My husband has been incredible at helping me to establish boundaries that not only have improved my ability to keep our home running smoothly but have also actually increased my productivity because I am well-rested and better equipped to take on big projects. I am so thankful for him and his ability to help me find balance!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an embroiderer, and I absolutely love what I do! My job allows me to play a small role in so many big life events – baby announcements, weddings, birthdays, holidays, etc. – and I cannot tell you how special it is to receive feedback and pictures from my customers saying that something that I made had an impact on their lives. It is humbling that others trust me with creating keepsakes for their families, and I am so honored every time that I am able to create a special gift for someone. The products I am probably the most proud of would be those that involve taking someone’s handwriting or drawings and converting them into an embroidered piece. I love to see the pride in a child’s eyes when they see their handwriting or drawing embroidered on something, and there is nothing more special than embroidering the handwriting of a loved one who has passed to create a sentimental keepsake for their family.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
MY FAMILY. Oh, my goodness, I would not be at this point today without my family supporting me and cheering me on along the way! My kids are my why…I started this business as a way to help out financially on my own time so that I could spend my days at home with them. Now, all three of them love to help me start my machines, pull stabilizers, deliver packages, take product pictures…if it needs to be done, they’re up for it! They keep me laughing during all of the chaos, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be their mom! I could go on all day about my husband, Hayden…he is the absolute biggest blessing and my rock. He has seen me at my lowest and spent so many late nights helping me to get orders out the door! I am so incredibly lucky to have him. Honestly, my entire family has been so helpful, encouraging, and supportive of this business. They listen to me vent over the phone, share my products, buy my products, and just love me through all of it!
There are truly so many people that I could thank…so many precious friends that cheer me on, customers that take the time to review and share about their purchases, and the farmers’ market this summer that allowed me the avenue to reach so many new local customers! Please just know how thankful I am for everyone that has played a role in my business. I could not do it without each and every one of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.threadysteadyco.com
- Instagram: @threadysteadyco
- Facebook: Thready Steady Co.
Image Credits
Wild Waters Photography
