During her work at a local non-profit helping resettle refugees in San Diego County, Heidi Ledger realized there was a huge need for additional support and fair-wage employment opportunities for recently-arrived refugees. That's why she started Thread Spun, a boardbag and accessories line that uses fair-trade and environmentally friendly materials and employs refugees around San Diego. Starting Thread Spun allowed Heidi to combine a deep appreciation of artisan-produced textiles with her background in social services. Read on for more about Heidi and her labor of love, Thread Spun.
Tell us about yourself: Where are you from? How did you end up in North County?
I'm originally from Phoenix, AZ with stops in Toronto and Denver before I landed in North County in 2010. I moved to San Diego for a job working in refugee resettlement with a local nonprofit, and chose to live in North County because I grew up coming here every summer. It's always felt like home to me!
You wanted to create a business that could provide resettled refugees with jobs, why surfboard bags?
Surfboard bags because my husband has been in the surf and retail industry for almost twenty years and suggested it would be a great place to start, and he was right. We both love the water and the beach and it was a natural fit for our passions and lifestyle. It's been really cool to combine both of our worlds. As the brand continues to grow and evolve we will be introducing other products.
What's the best part about living and working in North County?
The best part of living and working in North County is the people. There are so many rad, creative and hard working people around to create community with. We love it.
You have guests visiting from out of town, where do you take them for…
Coffee: Ironsmith
Breakfast: GoodOnYa
Lunch: Haggos
Dinner: Fulanos for the best margaritas and chile rellenos
Shop Thread Spun at threadspun.co! Stay in touch by following them on Instagram at @threadsupn.
