We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexia Wilborn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexia below.
Alexia, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I have always most admired people with a strong work ethic: My grandfather who became a veterinarian and the owner of an animal clinic in his 30s. My grandmother who started as a teacher, became a computer technician, then went back to school in her 50s to become a registered nurse. My best friend who was practically handed a business before she was 30 years old because of her extraordinary work ethic. And my husband, who displays a strong work ethic not only at his day job but in all aspects of his life. But ultimately my work ethic truly comes from God. I find encouragement in verses such as Proverbs 31:15-18.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After developing a passion for eliminating textile waste when I was 13 years old, I began reselling my clothing online. 7 years later I launched Alexia’s Threads: a faith-based online thrift shop curated by Alexia Wilborn, selling clothing items with a cohesive aesthetic intending to help women build an affordable capsule wardrobe. I aim to help my customers find confidence in their style profile, understand their measurements and how that correlates to a flattering fit for their body type, and thoughtfully build a wardrobe they love. My dream customer would buy 1-3 items per month for a year or two then be less active as a buyer. The long-term goal is to stop overconsumption.
For its first 8 years of operation, Alexia’s Threads was a one-woman show, limiting its expansion potential. In early 2023 my husband, Troy Wilborn, took on the responsibility of transporting customer packages to their respective carriers. He also helps with packaging orders and printing shipping labels if needed. This integration has allowed for quicker delivery to our customers. I am so excited to announce that as of November 2024, we have hired our first official employee, Lorin! She is a longtime friend whom I trust to uphold the standards we have for this company. Her role of photographing merchandise and prepping item listings has given us the opportunity to serve more customers, increase our purchasable inventory, and slightly lower product prices.
Since its conception in 2015, Alexia’s Threads has faithfully donated 10% of its profits to local Christian organizations as well as made additional contributions toward local and national causes and crises. We look forward to continuing to bless those in need with the help of our devoted customers and partners.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Digital literacy, retail experience, and a relationship with Christ are three things that I have found most impactful in my journey toward growing a successful business. As I mentioned in the first question, my grandma was once a computer technician. She had me properly using a computer by age 3 and I became proficient with the internet soon after. Knowing how to utilize digital devices to find customers, market, and run my business has saved me a lot financially. For eight years, I worked closely with local boutique owners and in the fashion show circuit. I received hands-on training in almost every aspect of starting and running a clothing retail business including what not to do. Lastly, my relationship with Jesus helps me stay humble, maintain my integrity, treat all of my customers fairly, and to give generously from my profits.
Some advice I have for entrepreneurs who are early in the journey is not to be too proud to work for others, to be generous, and to have a reason outside of themselves for why they want to start their business.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal customer would be similar to myself. She loves God and wants to dress in a way that glorifies who He created her to be. She enjoys modestly expressing her femininity. She loves things that make her feel beautiful and comfortable. She’s tired of wardrobe overwhelm; having a closet full of clothing items she never wears, or having things she likes but no appropriate item to pair them with, and thus struggling to put an outfit together. She doesn’t want to spend time stressing over what to wear. She is seeking simplicity and dependability in her wardrobe. She knows her identity is found in Jesus. Her goal is to curate a cohesive wardrobe full of items that are flattering to her body, provide comfort, and are suitable for her daily tasks. She can mix and match the pieces she has selected effortlessly. She will have more time to focus on the things she genuinely cares about and her heart will be how people identify her.
Proverbs 31:25-31
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mercari.com/u/alexiasthreads/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiahomemaker/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexiahomemaker
Image Credits
Photographer: Justin Thomas
Alexia Wilborn
Lorin Lentsch
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
