Meet Carina Lindsay | Mom and Entrepreneur, Owner of Thread and Bloom a ladies apparel and accessories e-commerce

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

Hi Carina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were three reasons behind my thought process of staring my own business, the first was family. I want to build and grow something that I can eventually pass on to my two little ones. My second thought was the idea of being able to share what I enjoy so much with others. Fashion is something I like to say that I inherited from my mother. I grew up enjoying most things about it, and being able to share a vision with others who might feel the same way played out very well in my mind. Last but certainly not least, I have a vision beyond just Thread and Bloom. I’d like to create jobs, and give factory workers better working conditions, once I grow into manufacturing my own products. I’d also like to create programs for working mothers. Being a mom and having a career do not come very easily. I have experienced this first hand, therefore I really want to help and give back to moms who need the help. I want to give other moms out there the opportunity for them to create their dream careers, while also being able to be the attentive mom they desire to be.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The most common comment that I continue to receive is how different Thread and Bloom is in comparison to other small brands out there in San Diego. I have always enjoyed being a little more chic and trendy with the clothes that I wear, and so I wanted to offer this sense of style to others who might share the same sentiment. Diving into this I was really nervous, but I’ve quickly learned that there is a market out there for a small business like Thread and Bloom . When I think of what sets us apart, I think of the space we are creating. A space to embrace individuality, while bringing that fashion forward feel to southern Cali. That is what I have become most proud of.

So far I have experienced two challenges. The first is balancing family life and business life. The past couple of years I have been very dedicated to being a mom. I really have always worked everything around my families schedule to help raise my two kids, but being an entrepreneur is really not an easy walk in the park. There are so many details and operations to count for, that consume a lot of time. This has probably been the hardest part for me. Working my full time job, while building a business and being a mom. Luckily, I now have taken the brave step to leaving my job to be able to manage everything much better.

The second is criticism. It definitely hasn’t been the easiest to consume when someone isn’t as excited about the styles we carry as I am, but I am slowly learning that, that is ok. We won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but we will be someone’s favorite, and that’s a BIG reward in itself. It’s fun to watch our customers wearing our merch and tagging us on social media. It feels good when I receive messages such as, “Wore my new outfits all weekend. Thank you for making me feel pretty.” Its the confidence that we are bringing to the table for others to feel that really hypes me up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough question because I have so many! San Diego is full of fun and interesting places, but if I had to choose then A nice early morning walk through Torrey Pines State Reserve and Beach, will definitely be part of the day adventures. It has some good beach sights and is easy enough to have great conversations while hiking. Great way to get the body moving, while connecting.

I am an adrenaline junkie, so a little paragliding would also be on the itinerary. San Diego is so beautiful to look over and it has the perfect weather for it. Another must on the itinerary is dinner at Fort Oak. I do enjoy having the option of a relaxed cocktail bar or an upscale dining place. Apologies to my vegan friends but their duck platters are some of the best in San Diego. Drinks aren’t too bad either. They are actually really good!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Both my parents, my husband, and my two little humans deserve recognition for my success. They have placed a large amount of faith in what it is that I am doing, and have been by my side every step of the way. I couldn’t have done this without their love and support. Seeing how excited they get when they see me in my element, motivates me. They have become my fuel to keep going.

Website: www.shopthreadandbloom.com

Instagram: @shop_threadandbloom

Other: Pinterest : @threadandbloom

Image Credits
Image of self – Gaby Hendry Photography All other images- Diana Rose Photography Models: Nicole Rodriguez – 90’s Heartthrob Tee Michelle Obodzinskaya – Satin Set Allysa aka Fashionably Surfed – Pant set Isabelle Ashraf – Velvet Purple Dress