Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Williamson.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Think Threads Startup Story
I was a stay-at-home mom for 16 years, and during that time, I always found little side jobs to keep busy because I’ve just always loved to work. When my oldest daughter started high school, it hit me — before long, I’d be an empty nester, and college was right around the corner. One day, my husband jokingly asked, “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” That simple question turned into a lot of late-night conversations about what I truly wanted to do next.
I’ve always had a love for art and creativity, so when my husband suggested screen printing and embroidery, it just felt right. He believed in the idea so much that he actually quit his job to help me get the business off the ground. In February 2012, Think Threads officially opened its doors.
We started small — just the two of us in a 1,200-square-foot building, learning as we went. Before long, the workload picked up and we brought on a few employees. Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into a 6,000-square-foot space that’s practically bursting at the seams.
I’m so grateful for how far we’ve come and for the amazing customers and employees who’ve helped us get here. They truly make Think Threads what it is today. We take pride in bringing our customers’ designs to life, delivering quality work, and meeting deadlines every time. I’m excited to see where the future takes us — because if the past few years have taught me anything, it’s that with passion and hard work, there’s no limit to how much we can grow.
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?
Like most small businesses, we’ve definitely faced our share of challenges along the way. COVID was especially tough — when events were canceled, so was most of our work. For a screen printer, that was a scary time. Many shops didn’t make it through, and I truly feel blessed to be one that did. There was a lot of prayer, a lot of faith, and I honestly believe God was walking with me through every step of it.
Since then, Think Threads has really bounced back. We’ve grown stronger as a team and as a business. I have an amazing group of employees who are just as passionate and excited as I am to see where we can go from here. Together, we’re focused on continuing to grow, keep our quality high, and serve our customers with the same care and dedication that got us started.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Think Threads, we specialize in custom screen printing and embroidery — bringing our customers’ ideas to life on everything from t-shirts and hoodies to hats and uniforms. Whether it’s a local business, a school team, a church group, or a big community event, we love helping people show off their brand or message through quality, custom-made apparel.
We’ve built a reputation for our attention to detail and reliability. Our customers know that when they come to Think Threads, they’ll get exceptional quality and their orders will be done right — and on time. Meeting deadlines and maintaining top-notch quality are two things we take very seriously.
What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built and the relationships we’ve formed over the years. Many of our customers have been with us since the beginning, and that loyalty means everything to me. We’re not just creating products — we’re helping people represent who they are, and that’s really special.
What sets us apart is our personal touch. We genuinely care about every design that comes through our doors. It’s not just another job to us — it’s someone’s vision, and we want to make sure it turns out even better than they imagined. Our team works closely with each customer to make that happen, and I think that’s what makes Think Threads feel different from a lot of bigger print shops.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that growth takes faith — both in yourself and in the process. When I first started Think Threads, I didn’t have all the answers. There were moments of doubt and times when I wondered if I was in over my head. But I learned that if you keep showing up, stay humble, work hard, and trust that God has a plan, things have a way of working out.
I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. My team, my family, and my customers have been such a blessing. Having people who believe in you and share your vision makes all the difference.
And maybe most importantly, I’ve learned that challenges — even the really hard ones — often turn into the biggest opportunities for growth. Looking back, I’m grateful for every tough season because it taught me resilience and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thinkthreadsmemphis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_threads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkThreadsMemphis
