Our Story
Illuminated Threads was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between style and substance. In a world where fast fashion dominates, we wanted to create something different—something meaningful. Founded with a mission to raise awareness and inspire action, we create high-quality apparel that does more than just make a statement—it starts meaningful conversations.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every garment tells a story, fashion becomes a tool for education and advocacy, and every purchase contributes to building a more equitable and just society.
Our Promise
At Illuminated Threads, we are dedicated to ethical and sustainable practices. 5% of each purchase directly supports non profit organizations working to create positive change. Our products are crafted with recycled materials and delivered with carbon-neutral shipping to empower customers to make a difference for both people and the planet. We are proud to be a socially conscious brand that not only talks the talk but walks the walk.
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il·lu·mi·nate
/iˈluː.məˌneɪt/
verb.To make bright with light.
To make clear or easier to understand; explain or elucidate.
To enlighten or provide knowledge; to educate or inspire.
To decorate (a manuscript or text) with colorful designs and imagery.
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thread
/θrɛd/
noun.A fine, thin strand of material used in sewing or weaving.
A continuous element or theme that runs through something, connecting different parts.
A connected series of messages or comments on an online platform or forum.
A filament or sliver of something, especially when thin or barely visible.
Our Founder
Hi, I'm Audrey Leland — the founder of Illuminated Threads.
I've always loved wearing clothes that tell a story, especially bold, embroidered pants. During the pandemic, I decided to try hand embroidery for the first time and made my first pair of space-themed jeans (stars felt like a good beginner project!). A few months later, I upgraded to my first embroidery machine and started bringing bigger ideas to life. After making a few pairs just for fun, I found myself wanting to create designs with deeper meaning — and that's how I stitched my first pair of infographic pants.
My background blends education, storytelling, and social change — the same themes that run through Illuminated Threads today. I studied Math Education and Africana Studies at Bowdoin College, where I learned how both numbers and history shape the way we understand the world. Later, while working in nonprofit fundraising and pursuing my MBA in Social Impact at Boston University Questrom School of Business, I explored how businesses can drive real, lasting change. These experiences shaped my vision for Illuminated Threads: a brand that uses creativity and data to spark conversations, raise awareness, and inspire action.
Before launching the brand, my embroidered jeans often led to positive and enlightening conversations about the issues stitched into the fabric. My hope is that every piece we create can help others spark those same kinds of conversations — making a statement, sharing a story, and creating change.