New Beginnings

New Year, New Chapter (Whether I Wanted One or Not)

I started 2025 with a major life change: I was laid off from a company where I had worked for 16 years. It wasn’t the first time I’d experienced a layoff, so I welcomed it at first, with surprising calm and even a little gratitude. I thought it would be a much-needed chance to recharge, recalibrate, and maybe even rest.

What didn’t I realize? I was stepping directly into one of the toughest job markets in recent memory. A Vice Presidential title and a history of challenging leadership roles have not been enough for today's ATS-tracking employers. 

Six months later, I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs, sent countless networking emails, refreshed my résumé so many times I might start embroidering LinkedIn tips in my sleep. I’ve gone to the gym. I’ve upped my protein intake. I’ve tried to make new adult friends (a bold endeavor if you’ve ever tried it). I’ve done all the things we’re told to do to “bounce back” and move on to my next chapter. 

But here’s what I’ve finally decided: instead of waiting for the next opportunity to find me, I’m going to create something of my own. 

So this is me, putting my authentic, slightly crabby, ever-creative self out into the world. I’m taking the swirling ideas in my head and combining them with my embarrassingly vast collection of craft supplies (no regrets) to launch something heartfelt: Hooplethreads.

This is a space for hand-stitched snark, upcycled charm, and New England whimsy—made for people who appreciate the weird, the nostalgic, and the lovingly handmade. It’s a small creative leap, but it’s mine.

Thanks for being here. I hope what I create connects with you and brings a smile to your day, and a chance for me to (possibly) break even on my craft supply habit.

Stay tuned. The thread is just getting started.

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📍 Follow along here or at @Hooplethreads for updates, new pieces, and all the behind-the-scenes mess and magic.
🧵💬 Please follow my journey and feel free to drop a comment on any of my new social media accounts @hooplethreads. I’m always looking to connect with fellow makers and kind humans between hot flashes.