Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Smith and Shawn Lawson.
Hi Chanel and Shawn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before we were an established business, we were friends and sole individuals who simply enjoyed fashion. During our high school days circa 2008 to 2011 – being fashionable was an unwritten mandatory. It provided status, protection, friendships, among other high school level perks. After high school finished, fashion still remained an integral part of our lives but it transformed itself from mall shopping and trendy brands to something more…unique. Along came thrift Stores! Prior to becoming a breeding ground of boutique-like prices it was a place filled with affordable nostalgia. Shawn discovered the treasure of thrift stores around 2014, simply going for jerseys, graphic t-shirts, and DVDs. Chanels’ introduction to thrift stores came much earlier, tagging along on various trips with her grandmother. Things didn’t necessarily click until people on the street would compliment us on our pieces and how cool they were. That is when we understood the value and pricelessness of having these certain garments.
Months before the pandemic happened, we always flirted around the idea of a thrifting business. However, at the time, we were busy handling other aspects of our individual lives. Chanel worked as and continues to be a Stylist, most recently assisting in the wardrobe department at a television show. Shawn was working on his music album and continues to teach as an Educational Program Director. Things simply didn’t align until we adjusted. We said “Yo, let’s just do it, we can hold each other accountable,” We learned from our peers who were in the thrifting business such as Bubu’s Closet, researched, created a plan, and jumped off the plane. We went thrifting in different locations, gathering as many pieces as possible while keeping in mind what people like to wear/express themselves in. This is where we coined the phrase ‘Quality finds with you in mind”. We launched on October 15th, 2020, and had a warm response from the public, and from that moment on, every trip to the thrift store was intentional and it became more embedded in our fabric. *rim shot*
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! Nothing is ever smooth; only some of the fabric we touch. Getting to this point has been lesson after lesson. One of our earliest difficulties that we still experience at times is: “how do we grow a following?” The internet and social media algorithms make it extremely easy or super difficult to expose yourself. Over the past year we’ve tested various marketing strategies – campaign ads, raffles, and giveaways yet we feel there is a vast community that hasn’t seen us yet but need to.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Above Average Threadz LLC is a vintage clothing collection business that specializes in graphic tees, sports jerseys, and other unique garments. It is dedicated to finding quality finds, with you in mind.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Let us know! Message us, email us, throw a pencil at us, anything! The easiest way to connect with us is via Instagram (@aboveaveragethreadz) or email (aboveaveragethreadz@gmail.com). Send us a message and let us know who you are. Although we are a web-based brand, meeting face to face is a treasured interaction for us. We try to attend as many pop-ups that we believe fit our brand in order to create new relationships and have a better understanding of what we’re about.
But yes, reach out! Whether you are in tech, modeling, education, event organizing, the opportunities are limitless! We are looking to push boundaries, connect with new people, and create something that can marvel the world. We work every day towards elevation and becoming the best version of ourselves. Every day you have the choice to live life Above Average and we hope to have you be a part of that!
Contact Info:
- Email: aboveaveragethreadz@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboveaveragethreadz/
Image Credits
Busari Savage
