AMALA H. DAVIS

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Teresa B. Howell: How did you start your business?

Amala H. Davis: I’ve always been such a creative in many ways, especially when it comes to clothing. Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to start my own clothing line. At the age of 16, I drafted up my own mock-ups by printing out templates of different garments from Google images and then I sketched designs on them. I pitched the idea and showed my portfolio to my Mom, Pauline, who was an expert at sewing all kinds of garments. She was definitely on board with helping me to start my brand. At the time, I received lack negativity from my other family members since my designs were masculine and I ended up giving up on the idea. My Mother passed away in April 2017 and it left me in a super dark place with a huge hole in my heart. I was trying to figure out ways to cope and uphold the memory of my Mother. One day I just had the idea to tap back into my creative side and start a clothing brand. I decided to uphold my Mothers legacy by branding the logo with the color red, which was her favorite color, and I also have sewing-themed components as the logo, since my Mother LOVED to sew. Therefore, Redthreadz Clothing Co. was born! I simply started my sewing-themed brand to keep my Mom’s legacy alive!

TBH: What snags did you run upon during the process?

AD: At first, I ran into a lot of issues with getting my brand off the ground. Because the items for Redthreadz are manufactured in different countries, it can be difficult due to issues such as, material availability, language barriers, communication problems, shipping costs, etc. Another snag that I ran into was support. Expecting all and only your family and friends to support you is unrealistic. Not saying that they won’t, but you have to get outside of your comfort zone. Therefore, I had to network with people I’ve never met so that I could make new connections. People know people who know people!

TBH: Who pushed you to keep going?

AD: Honestly my Mom (in spirit), my Wife and all of my Redthreadz Fam (ask how you can be a part of the RT Fam) that continue to support me and Redthreadz Clothing Co. all the time! I am truly thankful. They make me so proud to continue telling my story and they give me the motivation to keep pushing!

TBH: How does the public respond to your product?

AD: The public actually responds super well to Redthreadz via Instagram, Facebook and other social media apps. My first vending event for the year is in October 2021 (check our website for location info), so I will have obtain an opportunity to strengthen the response of the public outside of social media!

TBH: Do you have staff?

AD: I do not have staff. It is just me; by my lonesome, but as time goes on, I’m sure I will definitely need assistance in staffing!

TBH: How long in business?

AD:Redthreadz Clorhing Co was launched in August 2019 and has been in business since then!

TBH: What business owner do you admire the most?

AD: I admire all of the small business owners that I’ve met over the last few years. It is so many of them to name! They are truly my inspiration. If I had to choose a popular worldwide brand, I would definitely say I admire the owner of Supreme. Supreme literally can have their name and branding on a can opener and it would be worth hundreds of dollars only because it says “Supreme” on it! I am working to get Redthreadz to that level.

TBH: Do you have future plans for the business?

AD: I am looking into doing at least one vending event per month just to make connections outside of the internet. I also want to start charity or volunteer work by feeding the homeless or clothing the homeless. That is still underway.

TBH: What advice would you give a new business owner?

AD: It’s going to be tough, but never give up! Stick to your plan, because your dreams are here to stay; fulfill your dreams rather than let them slip away. Nothing in life is ever easy, but it will become so if you stay consistent and keep your dreams alive.

Do not be afraid of criticism. To me, constructive criticism from those who support you and those who want to support you is the best way to find your target audience. You don’t need to pay for someone to tell you who your target audience is, because you can know that information for free! Just listen to your customers.

Do not change your prices or business practices to satisfy other people! Run your business the fair way!

Amala H. Davis (832) 967-0638 // www.red-threadz.com