Meet the Founders
Angela Melfi & Kara Valentine started Threads Worldwide in 2011 after colleging, traveling, and best friending together for what feels like… forever!
They wanted to start a company where women could plug in to an instant global community, express their passions and creativity, and fulfill on their desires to connect and make a difference.
Threads Worldwide creates life changing work with women around the world through the fair trade of artisan jewelry. Angela and/or Kara can speak individually or share the stage (or mic) – and their best-friendly banter – with the audience.
They can speak and share stories on a variety of topics. Here are a few to get the juices flowing: using business for change, the difference fair trade makes, creating your legacy, being afraid and doing it anyway (courage), elevating your worries.
Our Vision
We are community leaders who, in doing so ourselves, inspire others to live intentional and meaningful lives.
Each day, women around the world join together through the Threads movement. Artisan Partners and Threads Socialpreneurs alike work to better the lives of their families and communities, altering the course for future generations. Women know themselves as leaders and world-changers. They begin to understand the value of their contributions, standing taller with each step forward.
Past Speaking Engagements
Fair Trade Federation 2016
Angela spoke about the unique opportunity of direct sales to expand access to fair trade. Pictured here with Ben from Ben & Jerry’s!
Fair Trade Federation 2018
Angela created and facilitated a workshop in partnership with 10,000 Villages.
MadeformorePDX
Angela joined long-time high school friend, Stacey, to share Threads beginning and passion for fair trade.
Fairlosophy Podcast
Angela and Kara speak with Fair Trade Partners Jen and Jackie who launched their podcast after spending time together in Bali on the Threads Artisan trip.
Fox 31 News Interview
Fair Trade Partner mother/daughter duo Beth and Talia Ginsberg invited Angela to join them on Fox31 to share their business goals.
Kara teams up with Shannon Keith, the Founder of Sudara to dive into socially conscious businesses and how they’re changing the world.
Angela and Kara were the keynote speakers at the Ohio Fair Trade Expo speaking about how fair trade is a solution to immigration.
Real Life Book Club Podcast
Kara talked about doing it afraid, living her truth and how important it is to slow down and listen to find out who we are.
Camp Experience through the Camp Network
Angela and Kara took the stage together to rap on how Threads Worldwide deepens and expands friendships.
NextWomen
Angela represented Threads Worldwide at NextWomen in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Kara shared the impact her journey of self discovery, spiritual evolution, and her commitment to her purpose has on mothering her two girls.
Kara participated on a panel of change makers from around the world. They spoke about social enterprise, their biggest challenges, accomplishments and why this type of business can change the world.
Kara participated on a panel of impact entrepreneurs and discussed the importance of value alignment, building community and collaboration over competition.
I want Threads Worldwide at my event!