If you have been following my instagram, then you might have seen 3 videos uploaded in the past two months under the title Tales to Threads.
The name Tales to Threads came from the help of my former college roommate. I was working on names for quite some time with my family members but nothing stood out. One night, my roommate put words I had brainstormed together. The name of this video series is so representative of the content being put together. The tales are people's stories about what got them to where they are now and other unique details. The threads represent their work. Putting their stories together to create threads all worked together to create the overall garment, which is their business or art.
I first got this idea about 3 years ago. I always loved talking to people. I would meet someone for the first time and suddenly conversations would switch from how nice the weather is to how they reconnected with an old lover (Please don’t think if we first meet that I will invade your privacy because I literally won’t).
There were a lot of people I grew up with who said that they hated where we lived and hated New Jersey. I found this troubling because I loved my state and my community. Frequently hearing these comments, I felt called to play a responsibility in shifting the conversation about how we lived in a positive light. I wanted to show everyone in my community that they didn’t have to leave the state to go to buy fire vintage pieces or to experience a one of a kind artist. There are unique, inspiring, and hard working people in our backyard and I want to serve as a catalyst for them.
For 3 years straight I had gone on a rollercoaster with this idea. I would brainstorm questions and who to interview and feel so energized and then it would dissipate a week later because of laziness and doubt.
And then I started dating Devin.
In a time where I was so unproductive and in a dark space with creativity, seeing Devin pursue whatever dreams he had ignited a spark for me to do the same. Devin plays such a vital part in my strong work ethic that is continuously growing. Devin and I have similar ideas and we bounce our thoughts off each other. I am so blessed to have him and my family who encourages me to do what I enjoy daily. Surrounding yourself with people who believe that you are capable of doing anything, is a great foundation to build from.
Images of my amazing support group
I wanted to release these interviews on instagram because most of the business owners and creators work through that platform. I saw it as the most effective way to connect creators with other creators and to a broader audience.
January 30th is when I uploaded the first video with Chain of Command. A personal shopping vintage shop in Roselle. Interviewing owners, Bradley and Aroni, was so fun. I was in disbelief with how smooth filming went and that I waited so long to finally bring my ideas to life.
So far we have three videos out. With each interview done so far, I have learned so much about different industries and so much more about human perseverance. This is something I hope continues as I film with more creators. Everytime I edit and rewatch footage, I fall more in love with the person's story and it makes me more eager to get it out for others to watch.
Top to bottom: Aroni and Bradley, Anderson, CozzyNaz
Using social media at an impressionable young age can lead to negativity if not used in the best light. Comparing ourselves with people who are doing what they love in a self-deprecating manner is unhealthy. You can change your attitude towards someones self-startup business and see it as motivation to start your own. I hope when a young creator or business owner from New Jersey sees one Tales to Threads video it encourages them to keep working on their craft.
Thank you to everyone who has shown love and shared my videos so far. I hope you all continue to grow with me and Tales to Threads. All praise to God for placing this desire in my heart to be a vessel for his glory in uplifting my neighbors to do what they love and share it with the world.
If you or someone you know is a creator or business owner in New Jersey and believes that your work will shine a light on encouraging our community then please comment down below, hit my DM, or email.
Be sure to follow me and turn on blog/youtube notifications because there is so much more to show you.
Especially some fierce and hardworking women (coming soon ;)).
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