Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Takitch.
Kelsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mom and I had talked for years about doing something together — something creative and meaningful that we could build side by side. When the opportunity came along to open a business in my city, right in the heart of our uptown area, it just felt right. We wanted to create a place where people could find clothes that made them feel comfortable and confident — from jeans and cozy sweaters to easy everyday tees. We also saw a big gap in the area for men’s clothing, so we made sure to include that too.
Over time, iron threads has grown into more than just a clothing store. We’ve become a part of the community, especially through local spirit wear and fundraising. We love helping schools and local groups create apparel that brings people together and supports great causes. It’s been such a rewarding journey to see how far we’ve come and how much heart our little shop has put into our town.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting your own business is never easy. There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to getting it off the ground financially and figuring out what works. But doing it with my mom has made all the difference. We’re learning, growing, and getting through it together, and that’s been such a special part of the journey.
It’s also a challenging time to be in retail with the rise of inexpensive online shopping, but we’ve focused on curating good-quality pieces that people can actually see, feel, and fall in love with in person. That’s what keeps people coming back to our brick-and-mortar store — the experience and connection they can’t get online.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
After many years of dreaming, a few months of serious thinking, and lots of prayers, iron threads became a reality in 2023 when my mom, Holly, and I started searching for the perfect spot to open a clothing store in Union County. We wanted to create something timeless and true to who we are — a space where fashion meets functionality and everyone feels welcome.
At iron threads, we offer a curated collection of high-quality, neutral basics for both men and women. Our focus is on pieces that blend versatility, comfort, and affordability — the kind of wardrobe staples you can wear anywhere, anytime, and always feel good in. From cozy sweaters and perfectly fitting jeans to classic tees and effortless layers, we’re all about clothing that stands the test of time.
What really sets us apart is our connection to community. We wanted to build a store that feels approachable, where suburban moms, midwest farmers, and everyone in between can walk in and find something that fits their lifestyle. We’ve also grown to specialize in local spirit wear and fundraising, partnering with schools and community groups to design apparel that brings people together.
We’re proud of how far our brand has come in such a short time. iron threads isn’t just a clothing store — it’s a place where style meets community, and where every piece tells a little bit of our story.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Opening our store was definitely a risk. When my husband and I moved our kids back to the area to be closer to family, I made the decision not to go back to work right away. He was able to support us, and we both felt this pull to take a leap of faith and see if we could make this dream a reality. We knew there was a chance it could fail — that it could put us in a tough spot — but we also knew we’d regret not trying.
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a risk-taker by nature, but looking back, starting iron threads was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. Not everyone would jump into something completely new without the security of a stable income, but I’m so glad we did. It’s been challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and it’s reminded me that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most meaningful rewards.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ironthreadsohio.com
- Instagram: ironthreads_oh
