Thoughtful Threads: Women-Made Products Featured in New Holly Store
(Mel Corrigan, Aug. 23, 2021)
Holly, MI -New store owner Kristin Watt, a resident of and community volunteer in Holly, is eager to provide an inclusive place for people to shop that supports women-owned businesses and gives back to the community in which she lives, with the goal of inviting communities outside of Holly to come and shop in a store unique in its vibe, energy and offerings.
She credits the pandemic for inspiring her to become an entrepreneur (again). “During the pandemic, I felt like people were given the gift of time to really reflect on priorities and passions. I saw women getting back to creating things that they hadn’t had time for previously,” Kristin said. “Personally, I no longer wanted to feel the pressure about what might happen to my job and all the other what ifs. I just knew working for myself, again, was what I needed to do to be fulfilled, and that women supporting women would be a core part of it.” It became the perfect opportunity for Kristin to take all the things she cared deeply about and put them into a business model.
Thoughtful Threads, an upscale-resale boutique in Holly, sells gently used, quality (non-consigned) clothing at budget-friendly prices, as well as locally made goods from Holly, Grand Blanc and Clarkston. The store is scheduled to open August 25. Shoppers will find that 80% of products are used and in like-new condition. “You won’t need to dig through junk to find a gem because of our high-quality standard,” Kristin said. “When someone walks in the door, I want every person, of every size and socioeconomic demographic, to feel welcome and that the store has something for them,” Watt said.
All wholesalers are women-owned businesses and include people of color. Nine women-owned businesses have vendor booths within the store. Each vendor pays a booth fee, a business model that exists in some stores in Holly already. These vendors offer products ranging from women’s plus-size clothing (which is difficult to find in Holly) to custom spice blends, art, gifts and more. Kristin aims to provide accessible, quality clothing and gifts without the brand-name price tag.

Environmental friendliness is one leg of the store’s mission. “The concept of resale is already environmentally friendly,” Kristin said. The store uses sustainable, recycled bags and tissue paper. Vendor booths throughout the store were hand-built by Kristin’s husband from repurposed materials.
Not only will you help the environment and support local businesses when you shop at Thoughtful Threads, you’ll give back to the community, literally, thanks to the store’s charitable donation program. Ten percent of every purchase, including purchases from vendor booths, will be donated to nonprofit organizations that serve those in need across Oakland, Genesee and Livingston counties. Holly Area Youth Assistance (HAYA) will receive proceeds collected from August through October.
Looking forward, a pet boutique will be integrated into the store within the first thirty days of opening and later a children’s boutique, because, at present, no other store(s) in Holly currently fills those needs. Kristin is sourcing eco-friendly products to include in the store as well.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Grand Opening of Thoughtful Threads is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, August 25. The ceremony will be supported by Holly Area Chamber of Commerce, with board member Melanie Pruiett helping cut the ribbon. The store will be open to customers following the ceremony until 6 p.m.
Thoughtful Threads is located at 1006 N. Saginaw St. Suite C, in a retail complex with two other women-owned businesses. When the store opens, you’ll be able to “get lunch, get your hair done and go shopping, all in the same space,” Kristen said.
If you have questions about Thoughtful Threads or its Grand Opening, you’re invited to visit the website, call (248-795-4860) or email Kristin, or reach out via Facebook.