Welcome to Pause & Thread: My Story

Hello, and welcome. I’m the founder of Pause & Thread, and I’m so thrilled to finally share my story with you.

This brand was born from a familiar place: my own personal search for a quiet moment. Like many of you, I first picked up a needle and thread during the pandemic, but it wasn't just a fleeting hobby. For me, it became an anchor. I found that the simple, rhythmic process of pulling thread through fabric was a revelation ... a powerful, tangible way to combat my own anxiety and "stay in the moment."

This personal discovery tapped into something profound. In a world of constant pings and endless scrolling, our minds are rarely at rest. The act of embroidery is, in itself, a form of mindfulness. It requires a gentle focus that anchors you to the present. The simple, repetitive rhythm of the needle passing through fabric acts as a meditation, slowing your breathing and calming a busy, anxious mind.

It’s not just about "keeping your hands busy" it’s about reclaiming your attention. It's a quiet act of rebellion against the cult of productivity, giving you a tangible, beautiful reward for simply slowing down. This is the "why" behind everything I do here.

I began sharing this craft and its benefits, selling finished pieces and a few small, handmade kits at local Christmas markets. The response was immediate. I sold out of 30 kits, not just once, but twice. The lesson was clear: people weren't just buying a craft kit; they were desperate for a moment of peace.

From this, Pause & Thread was born.

I spent hours thinking about the name, the mission, and the identity. I even moved away from my original name, "Leo&Needle," to embrace a name that is the mission. I designed a logo where the 'pause' symbol doubles as two stitches inside a hoop. Every choice has been intentional, built to serve a community I understand deeply—people who are creative, urban, and seeking a sanctuary from the stress of daily life.

What I find most exciting is the long-term vision. This isn't just about kits. I'm building Pause & Thread as a complete creative ecosystem:

1. Embroidery Kits: The core product, a beautiful all-in-one box for beginners.

2. In-Person Workshops: To build community and share the magic of that "wow" moment, like my first upcoming class.

3. Digital Patterns: For experienced stitchers who just love my designs.

4. Online Courses: To create a scalable, global classroom.

5. A Book: My 3-year goal to establish myself as an expert and share my art with the world.

And I'm not just dreaming—I'm so excited to launch my very first in-person workshop on Saturday, November 8th, at Rayat Magazine in downtown Toronto. It's an intimate, 4-hour class (only 11 spots!) where you can learn to make this stunning Autumn Pumpkin Pendant. I've definitely been feeling that mix of excitement and anxiety that every creator gets before a launch, but I truly can't wait to share this experience with you.

Watching this brand come together has been a privilege. It's a perfect example of how a personal passion, validated by the real world, can be built step-by-step into a meaningful business that truly helps others.

This is just the beginning, and I'm so glad you're here to be a part of it.