We had the good fortune of connecting with Christiana Afotey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christiana, how does your business help the community?
Great question! Here at Threads by Dreads, we pride ourselves on reducing textile waste. Whenever new orders are completed, our production team saves fabric remnants and scraps and dontaes them to creatives here in Nashville to complete their art projects. In addition to reducing textile waste, we cultivated the Threads by Dreads Foundation in 2016. The mission of the Threads by Dreads Foundation is to empower exemplary scholars to become pioneering leaders of tomorrow. Our Foundation is in its fourth year of offering the Mrs. Fedelia Adokailey Mensah Scholarship Award and the Mr. Seth Mensah Afotey Scholarship Award. These two scholarships serves as conduits to my parents legacy. The awards also assist with the financial burden of high school, college + technical trade students in Ghana with their tuition costs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first started Threads by Dreads, I wanted to narrate the tale of two intertwined cultures. I’m a first generation American, Ghana runs in my veins + the East Coast’s Jersey attitude is never too far behind. Two of the most impactful things I’ve learned thus far are never stop improving + always stay true to you. As a proud black queer woman, I am empowered to advocate for my community that is often over looked + underserved. It is important for me to use my privilege to help as many people as possible. Threads by Dreads was created to serve the communities we thrive in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great spots: The Southern V City Farm Co Coneheads Slim + Husky’s The Local Distro Cupcake Collection United Street Tours

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, please take a look at the incredible work Nia House Montessori is doing. Theyre based in Nashville, TN. Ph. 615-913-4774 https://www.niahousemontessori.com/

Website: https://www.threadsbydreads.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/threadsbydreads/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/threadsbydreads/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/threadsbydreads/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.