From Surviving to Thriving: Mental Health Beyond the Basics
For a long time, I thought surviving was enough. I had made it through the hardest chapters of my life — overcoming substance use disorder, walking away from paths that weren’t meant for me, and trying to rebuild something from the ground up. At first, healing looked like just staying substance-free, staying afloat, and trying to find stability. And that mattered. It still does.
But eventually, I realized I wanted more than just survival. I wanted a life that reflected who I was becoming. One where I didn’t feel small, silenced, or stuck doing work that didn’t align with my soul.
That’s when creativity came back into my life — slowly, without pressure or expectation. It started with colors, with movement, with dye on fabric, and a desire to express something I couldn’t yet put into words. The process of hand-dyeing and designing became part of my healing, not just a hobby or business idea. It reminded me that expression is powerful. That creativity can reconnect you with your purpose.
Starting Embolden Threads & More wasn’t just about launching a brand. It was about reclaiming my voice. I had spent too much time living within limits, often believing I had to work for someone else's dream just to get by. This business is about rewriting that story. It's about living a life that feels true, aligned, and rooted in resilience.
Now, every piece I create — whether it’s a one-of-a-kind tie-dye or a garment with a quiet message — is a part of that bigger purpose. They’re reminders to pause, to stay grounded, to be bold in your truth, even when it feels scary.
Mental health is layered. It’s not just about checking boxes or following a list of daily self-care tasks. It’s about learning how to listen to yourself. It’s about having the courage to change what no longer serves you. It’s about building a life that feels like yours.
Thriving doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it looks like choosing kindness when you're tired. Sometimes it's taking the risk to share your story. Sometimes it's knowing when to rest.
I created Embolden Threads & More because I wanted to offer more than apparel. I wanted to offer a reflection of the journey so many of us walk — from surviving, to healing, to thriving. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to keep showing up, honestly and gently.
And if you’re somewhere in the in-between, I see you. Keep going. Your story matters.
With Strength and Gratitude,
Kristen Gibson
Founder & CEO, Embolden Threads & More
