We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what makes you happy? Why?
It sounds so cliché, but I truly am happiest when those around me are happy. In my daily life, that is my husband and kids. I love to see them smile, to see them laugh, and to experience their joy. In my work life, I feel most successful when I receive positive feedback from my customers. The best days are when I receive a text, email, review, or social media post stating how much someone loves a product that I have made. I spend so much time creating and stitching my designs, so it is an incredible feeling to hear that something I made has brought joy to someone else!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The purpose of starting this business was twofold. I have a masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology and have spent the past 7 years working in both the pediatric and adult populations as a Speech Pathologist. While I love this career and am so thankful for the flexibility it offers, I was looking for something that would allow me to create my own schedule and work from my home. When I took the leap to transition my embroidery from a hobby to a business, it allowed me to be home with my babies during these early years of their lives while also helping to support our family financially.

While time played a huge role in my decision to begin Thready Steady Co., I originally began embroidering because I loved the idea of creating unique keepsakes that froze a moment in time…things that you couldn’t just go buy at any store. My favorite projects are those that involve a child’s signature, a grandmother’s handwritten recipe, a picture drawn by a grandchild…anything that brings about happy emotions and fond memories. This life is so fleeting, and our children and loved ones age whether we are ready for that or not. So the purpose of my business is to try to capture those special, fleeting moments in an unique way that can be treasured for years to come.

Starting a business with three kids under the age of five has not been easy. There have been many late nights and early mornings, successes and failures, and times of constant business or no business at all. We have had days where nothing seems to go right, and days where we feel invincible. Through it all, I the biggest lesson that I have learned is that it is ok to ask for help. I have an incredible support system, and I know that they are ready to help with any and everything at a moment’s notice. My small business exists because of the constant love and support of those around me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are a few claim to fame spots in the Amarillo area that everyone has to see! Our first stop would be Palo Duro Canyon. If hiking isn’t your thing, the drive alone is absolutely beautiful. If you are like my family, we love to hike the trails…our favorites are the Lighthouse and CCC trail. After that, Cadillac Ranch is a fun tourist spot, and the Don Harrington Discovery Center is a great place to take young kids if you need to fill an afternoon! As far as food goes, there are so many great spots to hit….it’s hard to narrow that down! You have to eat at The Big Texan at least once while you are in town, just for the experience. For good Tex-Mex, Joe Taco is the way to go…and then Green Chile Willy’s is a must if you want to experience some good, local food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This business would not exist without the encouragement of my husband, Hayden. He has been pushing me and telling me that he believes in me from day one. He is the best friend, life partner, and business partner that I could have asked for, and none of this would be possible without him. If you have purchased a product from me, odds are that he played a part in getting it to you. Whether that is through making the website listing, fixing my glitching digitizing software, watching the machine stitch to make sure there are no errors, printing mailing labels, or packaging products…Hayden is always involved and always ready to help without complaining. I can’t thank him enough and owe so much of the success of this business to him!

Website: www.threadysteadyco.com

Instagram: @threadysteadyco

Facebook: Thready Steady Co.

Image Credits
Wild Waters Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.