Today I’m thrilled to introduce Restoration Threads, a business started by Haley Coons that not only sells beautifully-designed products, but uses its voice and profits to benefit foster care organizations each month. Through their work I have learned about so much of the work going on right now in the foster care space, and I continue to be inspired by Haley and her business each month. Before you even read this interview, head over to her website today and see how you can support foster care simply by wearing a t-shirt or even engaging with her social media feed! And now, I’ll let Haley tell you all about how she began and what has driven her to use her business for GOOD.
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Tell me about yourself and your family!
Hi, My name is Haley Coon, and I am a former high school teacher turned stay-at-home mom to four little ones. There is never a dull moment in our household. I met my husband on a blind date that my sister set us up on, and we have been married for almost 10 years. We are also foster parents, and we recently adopted our youngest son through foster care. I’m just a simple girl from Texas who loves Jesus, coffee, Tex Mex, writing, and hanging with my crazy crew. As of January 2018, I am also the founder of Restoration Threads.
What is the name of your organization and what do you do?
Restoration Threads is a mission-minded t-shirt company. Our mission is to raise awareness and provide support for various foster care organizations. Every month, Restoration Threads chooses a different foster care organization to financially support through our merchandise sales. We also highlight stories about these organizations on social media and spread awareness about how they are making a difference in the foster care community.
How did the organization begin?
Our story began when we first became foster parents. We were beyond blessed by our village when our first foster love was placed in our home. Within hours of the child’s arrival, we were blessed with meals for weeks, gift cards, diapers, babysitting, and constant prayers and encouragement. We were amazed at how many people wanted to be a part of our foster care journey. We realize that not everyone is called to be a foster parent. When given the opportunity, however, almost everyone around us desired to be a part of the foster care community. Many people expressed, “I am not able to become a foster parent, but what else can I do to support foster care?” After doing some research, we realized that there are many organizations already doing incredible things for the 442,995 children in foster care. We wanted to create a community that connects people to these amazing organizations and provides them with tangible ways to support foster care. This is where the idea of Restoration Threads was born.
Every t-shirt we design has a beautiful story behind it and supports our organization of the month. We are so thankful for the many people who have already come alongside our family, Restoration Threads, and the foster care community. We are honored to be a small part of the big things the Lord is doing through foster care.
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your work with the people you serve?
I am always surprised at how many amazing foster care organizations there are. Before we became foster parents, I hardly heard anything about these organizations. Once I started doing some research and looking for them, I realized there are thousands of organizations across the country working hard to serve our foster care community.
What is the hardest thing about running your business?
The hardest thing is probably wearing all of the hats and being a one-woman show. While it is freeing to be your own boss, it's hard work. I am a stay-at-home mom, and still have little ones that aren't in school full time yet. So balancing work and mom life is a struggle for me. It's hard to turn my mind off and just trust that whatever I accomplished that day is enough.
What fuels your fire and keeps you going on difficult days?
God has been so faithful to keep me encouraged. On days when I wonder if this is worth it or if I am even making a difference, someone will immediately message me to encourage me. Most people only hear about the bad things that are happening in foster care. As my platform slowly and organically grows, it's encouraging to remember that I am highlighting the positive things that are happening every day. It brings me joy to support and share about each and every organization that we feature.
Dream big: where will you be in 10 years?
Oh wow, that seems so far away- but I know it will be here before I know it. I would love to be able to afford some employees. I know I could do so much more and bring so much more awareness if I had more hands on deck. So having a team to help this grow would be a big dream of mine! I feel like the Lord has more that will come of this tiny mission, but I am not sure what that is. I can't wait to watch and see what He does with Restoration Threads. Happy to go wherever He leads me!
How can people get involved?
Visit our website Restorationthreads.com and pick out a cute tee that supports our organization of the month. Also, following us on Facebook and Instagram is a great way to get involved. I am sharing on there daily about foster care and the great things that are happening. Since I am so small and donate a majority of our proceeds to our organizations, I can't really afford a lot of advertising. Simply sharing about us with friends is a great way to help us spread awareness. Together we can all do so much to help make a positive impact on the foster care system.
