Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Cheek.
Hi Teresa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Local Threads began with a simple vision — that downtown Aiken needed something more. Founder Teresa Cheek set out to invest back into the community she loves, creating a store that brings color and beautiful things to the women who work, live, and gather here. From size, material, color and cost, every piece is chosen to be fun, and easy to wear.
When you walk into Local Threads you are greeted with fun and color. A little something for everyone. When owner Teresa was asked the question; why so much emphasizes on color she said: “Growing up, my mama would always say flowers are God’s gift of colorful love and beauty. They bring us so much joy while giving us so many colors to celebrate. Each one is its own little masterpiece, like us we are all unique. It’s hard to find two flowers that look the same. That’s what I wanted to build here; a place that brings different variations of color to Aiken and to the beautiful women in it.” – Teresa Cheek
The store has grown into a go-to-spot for not only women but also offering children’s and men’s attire as well as a selection of Home and Gift items. You will find “free to everyone” kindness and encouragement to let your own personality shine through what you wear and gift.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are have been many obstacles along the way. Shortly after opening, we were faced with having to relocate our store. Trying to find a new location in our beautiful downtown offered so many struggles. We prayed and held fast to God beliving he would open the door to the perfect home and within 60 days he blessed us beyond measure!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I left a 30+ year career in Global HR for a corporation to open up a small locally owned boutique. Taking my life savings and investing into a community that I have grown to love.
As women we too often place our value in what we do daily in our careers. It could be from owning your own business, working at home as a wife and mother or having a corporate career. Regardless of what we are doing we as a society have placed our personal value in the wrong things. I have learned that value does not come in what I do during the day but instead in the impact of how kind I can be and what I can offer others to change their lives. While I gave up solid 6 figure career to pay myself less than min wage, I gained back in accomplishment for my community, my faith guided purpose and my overall happiness in serving others.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love coming to Atlanta to explore all of your shopping, there are so many areas around Atlanta that offer more than you most would think. I grew up in Athens just down the road and when we wanted to have a day trip we would hop in the car and drive around to explore new places. There is so much more to the BIG ATL than just your downtown. Your community is vast in population and size but offers so much rich history and exciting things to fill your day with fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://localthreadsaiken.com
- Instagram: @localthreadsaiken
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571708339130
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresacheek/
