The Humble Thread: Dressing Cabot with Care
A unique boutique named The Humble Thread stands out not just for its fashion but for its deep community roots and commitment to inclusivity and local entrepreneurship.
Founded by Amy Hughes in 2013, this boutique began with “humble beginnings” in her garage where she started by making jewelry. The store has blossomed into a vibrant boutique as well as a local space reflecting her values of accessible fashion and support for local and small-batch producers.
“I have always been a shopper and loved fashion,” Hughes said. “I think it’s fun and I don’t think it has to be super expensive. We like to do all-inclusive sizing the best that we can and just provide an easy local spot for people to pop in and get gifts or to feel good about themselves.”
Hughes’ journey from crafting jewelry to running a successful boutique is woven with her love for fashion and her professional background in social work. This unique combination has infused The Humble Thread with a spirit of community service and customer care that goes beyond regular customer service.
Hughes’ vision for the boutique is about making everyone feel welcomed and valued, a place where fashion is fun and accessible to all body types. “I hear customers say a lot, ‘Oh, I can’t wear that.’ or ‘That won’t look right on me.’ And we’re like no. Let’s get it in your size, let’s try it on, let’s style it properly and then they can walk out feeling better about the way it all presents on them. We’re all built so different, and we’re all made different and that’s OK.”
The Humble Thread’s product range includes not only clothing but also gifts and accessories sourced from small-batch makers, emphasizing the importance of supporting local economies and sustainable practices. Hughes’ approach to business is community-centric; she has been actively involved in the Cabot Chamber of Commerce, local fundraising, and other community services, which has helped solidify her business as a community pillar.
Despite her business success, Hughes has maintained her roots in social work, which deeply influences her business philosophy. Her new venture as the director of a partner organization to The CALL called The Answer Foster Care highlights her ongoing commitment to social service, leveraging her skills and network to make a systemic impact beyond the boutique.
“I sort of always knew I would lead to a foster care setting,” she said. “I’ve just known since I was a little girl that I was supposed to be a foster parent. I’m just kinda watching that unfold. The Humble Thread gave me an opportunity to be a very hands-on mom while also having something that was mine and investing in the community that we lived in. So, it’s been a really fun opportunity, and we’ve had so much fun with it in the last ten years.”
As The Humble Thread celebrates over a decade in business, it continues to thrive under the capable management of Makenna Hicks, who has been with the boutique for six years. This allows Hughes to focus on her passion for social work while still being involved in the boutique’s operations. “I have the most wonderful manager in all of the planet,” Hughes said of Hicks. “She is a hard worker, she is creative, she has a great eye for fashion… This will become my hobby side of things while she is the one running it. And then I’ll just get to focus on my passion, which is social services.”
The Humble Thread, under Amy Hughes’ leadership, has become more than just a boutique. It’s a testament to how businesses can play a transformative role in their communities, providing not just goods but also support, empowerment, and a sense of belonging.
“I was trying to find a way to articulate that we welcomed everybody, and it wasn’t a poshy store where you had to be a certain type to come in,” the owner said of formulating a name for the business. “I wanted it to be a comfortable place. And because we had so many local makers and handmade products and local made products, it was just important to me to convey that everyone was welcome here.”
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