Meet Linda Ruiz | Business Owner

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

Hi Linda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business, Off The Threads, in Feb of 2018 shortly after I graduated high school in 2017. My thought process after I graduated was how was I going to make money if i didn’t want to go to college. I always struggled really bad with anxiety so i was never able to get a job, nor make it pass any interview. Thats when i came up with the idea to sell my clothes on depop, an online selling app. I knew it was something i could do without having to interact with people in person and I already had lots of clothes to sell. I always was a fan of thrifting, so most of, if not all my clothes, were vintage. I started doing really well and thought this was what vegas needed because there weren’t many vintage clothing shops at the time. I looked into a spot downtown and got lucky. I knew I wanted to make my shop different and unique so I also added repurposing and alteration services. The high school that i went to had a fashion program so that is where i learned all about sewing and graphic design. My grandma had also been in the fashion industry for many years so i knew it would be a great idea to incorporate her skills into my shop. Many people never understood how someone with so much anxiety could open up a shop, but surprisingly my shop has actually helped me so much with my anxiety and to communicate better with others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I opened my shop when i was 18 years old. Its a vintage clothing store where i also have a small selection of repurposed clothing. I also have an in-store seamstress, who happens to be my grandma. She provides alteration services at cheap reasonable prices. Our first year of being open we met a stylist who got us connections to be Dua Lipas seamstresses for the billboard awards. From there on out, we have gotten many big jobs such as working with Adidas, the Oscars, Under Armor and many more big names. It also helped that I chose the right location for my shop. The original building i first opened up at was where First Friday would take place. It was this big artsy event that would take place every first Friday of the month. I met a lot of my customers this way, as well as doing occasional pop ups. I wouldn’t say it was the easiest but I kept going because its something i enjoy doing and its nice hearing from my customers that they feel inspired by me. Because i started at such a young age it was hard doing a lot of things without prior experience. I am always trying to help out others in the community for this specific reason and always willing to help out anyone trying to start a business. Im constantly doing free events to get the community together and usually don’t charge the vendors.

Many people have stated they love the aesthetic of my shop and how artsy it is. I handpick and travel for every, if not most pieces. I try to choose pieces that are rare and one of a kind. I usually go for vintage clothing that doesn’t scream vintage and can be styled modern as well as vintage.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Las Vegas is the Arts District, where my shop just happens to be at. I would start off on Main St and check out all the antique and small business shops. There’s this cool local art place called Recycled Propaganda that can start off the walk on Main St. The next street over is Commerce St. where there is lots of more small businesses that all have their own creative touch to them. The Loop Bus is a free shuttle near by that will take you to Fremont for free. At the end of the stops, you will be near Fergusons Downtown. This renovated motel is such a cool concept that is filled with restaurants and local vendors. The atmosphere is so nice and the people are really nice. The area is surrounded with artist’s works from all around. Definitely won’t want to miss out on checking this area out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has been a big help in this whole process, but my mom has definitely been my number one supporter. She has always believed in me and was the first person i told about my idea of a shop. Since the beginning she has always helped me so much and it would be hard to do any of this without her. She taught me the ways of business and how to be sure of myself. Growing up she was the one that always took me to thrift stores and is the reason i have a passion for what i do. She has been there for me during hard times and has helped me navigate through it all.

Instagram: @offthethreads

Facebook: Off The Threads

Yelp: Off The Threads

Other: depop: Off The Threads

Image Credits
instagram: @capturedfrequencies (for personal picture only)