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What began as a Christmas gift has grown into a meaningful small business for 11-year-old Eleanor Alkire. The homeschooled fifth grader is the creator of Threaded Joy, where she combines creativity and craftsmanship to make embroidered gifts and personalized keepsakes.
Eleanor's interest in embroidery started after receiving an embroidery kit for Christmas. Watching her grandmother stitch a sunflower inspired her to learn the craft herself. Today, she hand-embroiders pouches and tote bags with fun designs like hedgehogs, turtles, hearts, cows, and stars. She also creates custom photo magnets that help families preserve special memories.
Her business was born from a simple goal — to earn money for church camps. Since then, Eleanor has continued to grow as an entrepreneur, first participating in a lemonade business class and more recently joining the Junior Vendors at the farmers market.
"The most exciting part was making my first sale," Eleanor shared.
When she's not working on Threaded Joy, Eleanor enjoys reading, playing the violin, and hopes to one day become a librarian. She encourages other young entrepreneurs with this advice: "Don't dwell on your mistakes."
Threaded Joy offers embroidered pouches starting at $7, tote bags ranging from $10 to $20, and personalized magnets for $3 each or four for $10. To learn more or place an order, contact Eleanor at noblespearllc@gmail.com.
