THE UNCOMMON MISSION

The Uncommon

MISSION

What does it mean to live your own mission? It may seem like a loaded question, but Susan Kanoff, Founder of Uncommon Threads, is a breath-taking example of what this means. Uncommon Threads originated as a closet in Kanoff’s social work office that was used to spark joy in her clients. Serving as a social worker and wardrobe stylist simultaneously, Kanoff combined her two passions to create her now booming organization. What was once just a complimentary service, is now a full-blown “innovative non-profit” in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

In the Fall of 2016, the vision of Uncommon Threads became a reality. The mission of the organization was, and still is, to empower women in need. Using fashion as a tool, Kanoff is able to provide women with confidence and build community. She achieves this through her selfless acts of providing clothing, personal development coaching, workshops, and emergency services to women who are referred by social service programs. There are a variety of needs are served, including those of women who have suffered from domestic violence, those who are unemployed or underemployed, cancer patients, homeless women, the elderly, and women in recovery. These women are met with private styling sessions that fit their wishes, whether it be getting dressed for an interview or choosing everyday clothing to wear.

The empowering quotes on the walls and private styling rooms immerse clients in a boutique atmosphere. This is an important touch in creating the comfortable environment of Uncommon Threads. Kanoff describes that she “didn’t want this to look like a social service program” as she recalls her time spent at similar programs. It was important to Kanoff that Uncommon Threads was different; these women needed a choice in what they wear, and a place where they would be treated with dignity and respect.

Although starting out with only 400 square feet of space, Uncommon Threads managed to catch the attention of the media early on. Within the first year of operation, they were featured in Woman’s World Magazine, The Boston Globe, and other various Boston news outlets. “It just catapulted. When you’re passionate and excited about something, and you’re excited about something, and you really feel like you’re living your own mission, good things happen,” said Kanoff.

Quickly, Uncommon Threads built a robust clientele and was able to expand its business to make room for many more women in need. The new space, in which they still reside today, covers 4,000 square feet, which offers much more room for styling and comradery. Unlike the normal second-hand clothing businesses, Uncommon Threads styles clients free of charge, with the intention of empowering women for future success.

Kanoff is what truly ties together the unique and inspiring qualities of the business. She feels strongly about the impact clothing can have on others. She detailed an experience she had with a client who went back to

school at the age of 50 and needed a nice outfit for her first job interview in years. The woman was given a Burberry coat to wear for her interview and was unaware of the coat’s material value. Regardless, when she put it on, she felt like a million bucks. She said to Kanoff that it was a “magic coat” and she felt “so empowered, confident, and polished.” This story is one of many compelling experiences that Uncommon Threads has created within its community. Susan Kanoff has curated and nurtured such an uplifting environment for women in need. She truly displays what it means for women to support women, and she appreciates being surrounded “by this sea of like-minded, amazing women.”

Uncommon Threads has created lifelong connections and friendships, one of these being a friendship Kanoff shares with “one of the most amazing women” she knows. Karla, who started out as a client at Uncommon Threads, now serves as a volunteer. Kanoff shared a touching story with me about Karla going out of her way to get fresh, organic juice for Kanoff when she noticed she was struggling. After being diagnosed with Leukemia a year after opening her business, Kanoff faced many hardships but was met with support from her clients and volunteers alike. When she was down, the wonderful women around her lifted her back up, and that is truly the message she hopes to spread throughout her business.

The successor of Uncommon Threads launched in 2018 under the name of Uncommon Closet, an upscale thrift store offering new and gently worn designer fashion this social enterprise now helps to support the non-profit. It began as a series of pop-up shops and now is a neighboring boutique to Uncommon Threads. The store features an array of name-brand and vintage pieces like Gucci, Armani, Hermes, and more. All profits now go directly benefiting Uncommon Threads. Uncommon Closet also recently launched an e-commerce site so women from across the U.S. can “shop to give.”

“It’s shopping with a purpose. The younger crowd loves to rock these vintage looks,” said Kanoff.

Additionally, businesswomen frequent the store looking for great deals on professional clothes, everyday wear, and designer handbags. While luxury pieces are priced generously, the consumer receives good quality for the best value; putting their dollar towards a worthy cause. influencers that support Uncommon Threads by donating from their own closets, helping with fundraising, and working on projects together to spread awareness of the program. On the website, consumers have the ability to shop the influencers’ closets, which offers a personal touch to the influencers’ impact.

Even though Uncommon Threads has already made a strong impression on the Greater Boston area, they won’t stop there. Kanoff is not done sharing her mission and has plans for Uncommon Threads to become national. With the help of a committee, Kanoff and the team are working to put guidelines together, along with expanding trademarks and branding. While this is still in the early stages of planning, Kanoff is eager to open new chapters of Uncommon Threads and Uncommon Closet.

Uncommon Threads is always looking for clothing donations as well as monetary donations to support the organization. Next time you sort through your closet clutter, consider donating your new or gently worn apparel to this special nonprofit. If you feel drawn to the Uncommon message, Uncommon Threads and Uncommon Closet are always looking for volunteers. Visit their website to learn more about how you can help, or even just browse their merchandise and learn more about their mission.

@uncommonthreadsboutique; @shoptogiveuc; uncommonthreads.org

Kaitlyn Duarte