Q & A with Nicole McGrew

1. City of residence: Alexandria, VA

2. Place of birth: Elizabeth, NJ

3. In under five sentences, define your business: Threadleaf is a small, independent boutique focused on fashion-forward clothing and accessories that are responsibly made with respect for our environment, our suppliers, and our customers.

4. What social or environmental impact is your business making? I’d like for Threadleaf to have both a social and environmental impact. Environmentally, we’re having an impact by focusing on natural fibers and responsible production practices — using deadstock fabric, closed-loop manufacturing, organic dyes, for example. Socially, we’re having an impact by providing a space to discuss sustainability in everyday life, as well as other important conversations around life and business. The goal is for the shop to be not just a store, but a community space.

5. What is the best part of the work you’re doing? Why? Getting to know this incredible universe of people — both the many talented designers I work with and my amazing customers, and being able to share the beauty of sustainable design. My customers love discovering wonderful design, and I love making the connection.

6. If you could share just one piece of wisdom with the world, what would it be? Be creative when thinking about your goals and how to reach them. Resourcefulness simply cannot be emphasized enough.

7. What book(s) are you currently reading? I just finished Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. It’s fascinating (and sobering) to see how a seemingly stable society can easily fall apart, and how there are also always people willing to fight to make the world better.

8. Quote you (try to) live by? “If you find a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” — Toni Morrison. I think this extends beyond books, to creating the spaces, environments, and communities we would like, but perhaps can’t find. It was definitely one of the inspirations for Threadleaf. The shop I wanted didn’t exist in my town, so I decided to try and create it.

9. Using one word, how would you describe yourself? Problem-solver (hoping this is one word!)

10. What is one random fact that most people don’t know about you? I wanted to be a DJ for the longest time and still love a good track mix!