It was in a movie theater where our founder was moved to quit listening to stories like the one we are about to tell, and start trying to create a change. While watching a documentary put together for The SOLDProject, she started trying to figure out how, as one person, she could actually make a difference. Years went by, four to be exact, where books were read, plans were crafted, organizations researched and finally she decided there was no other way then to simply buy a plane ticket and see for herself firsthand.
It was on this journey that The Common Thread Collective was born. What our founder realized was women want options and they want to take charge of their own lives. As a trained Fashion Designer, Jessica knew she possessed the knowledge of useful life skills that she could teach to women. However, it wasn’t simply enough to teach the women how to sew, it was about using fashion to create a positive change and empowering women across the globe.
After researching and spending time with organizations in India and Uganda, The Common Thread Collective’s vision was solidified. By becoming a not for profit, we can assure our investors that we have the best interest of our women in mind. We can use our supporters donations to create mentoring programs that teach the women how to save money, how to develop a goal, how to read, how to write, and how to dream.
It’s more than that though, we don’t want to rely solely on donations and the women don’t want a hand out, they want to learn how to achieve for themselves. Creating a sustainable business model was a must. By developing and creating a line of fashion forward handbags that our supporters can purchase, they are in turn creating jobs, stimulating an economy, fighting poverty, funding education, and most importantly, helping us to double the impact of every donation received.
Every item sewn by one of our participants is tailored in a country specific thread. This shows which country you are supporting, shows a bit of symbolism for the culture, and starts a conversation with a pop of color. One thread at a time, we can work together to use fashion to fight poverty, empower women, and create change.
Create change? That may be a proud statement, it may be the change of the community, the change of your outlook on what you purchase, changing the poverty level in a village, changing the ability to get clean water, changing the education path for a child, or changing the way people look at fashion. One simple thread CAN create change.
We are group of fashion designers gone rogue, stylists looking for a new challenge, people who appreciate the beauty of design houses but want to use that aesthetic to create a change. We are The Common Thread Collective.
CEO/Founder
Jessica studied Fashion Design at The Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago where she quickly found her place. After working in various aspects of the field, she left the industry to find work that she found more satisfying to her soul. However, on that journey she found that her heart truly was in fashion, so the hurdle became how to combine her love of fashion with her desire to leave a positive impact.
Jessica is addicted to travel and has no problem packing a car for three weeks with only a map and a desire to go somewhere new. She has a deep love of dogs, big sunglasses, Indian Vogue and the goal of visiting every UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chief Operating Officer/Founding member
Jolene completed a degree in Finance from Indiana University accompanied by a concentration in Fine Art. Jolene worked in the handbag department of Saks Fifth Avenue, being one of the top requested Customer Service Liasons for her in depth knowledge of every detail from the material to the hidden hardware. Her love and appreciation of handbags brings strength to the design team for our limited edition bag lines.
Jolene is the proud mother to one four legged daughter, Lola, and a happy newlywed
PR Manager/Social Networking Correspondent
Devon comes to The Common Thread Collective with years of experience as an award winning investigative journalist. Through her years working in public radio and television, Devon has the insight and professional knowledge to help build our public network. Devon has also worked as a stylist, personal shopper, and is the features editor and face of filmed segments for Fashion Wrap Up
Keeping in true Common Thread Collective fashion, Devon loves all life including her newly acquired mom status to two loveable mutts, Tank and River, and has an intense affinity for anything Burberry.
CFO
Country Director – Uganda
Our founder discovered Sara while she was working with an organization in Kampala that has now closed its doors. Sara is instrumental to the success of our Ugandan operations with a strong knowledge of Kampala, finances, and the ability to speak over five East African languages.
Sara spends her time in between Kampala and Kapeeka. In Kapeeks, she works intensely with the children of the residential and education outreach program in their studies, helps spread the word on the power of staying in school and serves as a strong, female role model for the children and women alike.
Site Director – Kapeeka
Olive was a true saving grace to the Kapeeka plant. Kapeeka was established with connections made while our founder was working with a now defunct organization. She helped The Common Thread Collective persevere through an intense period of the community coming to terms with the broken promises and abrupt closing of the other organization. With Olive’s help, The Common Thread Collective was able to push on and regain the trust of the community, strengthening our bond in Kapeeka.
Olive is a strong woman who owns her own boutique, is the mother of two beautiful girls and a proud wife. She is a strong figure of what women can accomplish when they believe in themselves and an outstanding, respected member of the village of Kapeeka.
