Meet Elizabeth Cruz | Founder and Lead Stylist for Threads of Freedom. Styling through purpose while shining a light on Human Trafficking Awareness and providing hope to survivors.

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

Hi Elizabeth, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business came from a deep desire to create something meaningful that would outcast me- a legacy for my children. Although I have an amazing career with the government of 20+ years, I wanted to show them that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, they can turn their passions into purpose. My goal wasn’t just to build a business, but to build something that serves others, impacts community, and teaches my children the value of helping people through the work you do. For me, entrepreneurship is about purpose, service, adding joy, and leaving a legacy for my boys.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By day, I am an International Aviation Inspector who travels around the world but mainly in South America and the Caribbean. I assess foreign airports and inspects airlines that fly into the US. This career is 23 years and counting, it has stretched me personally and professionally in the best ways. It has led me to have the confidence to pursue my passions and shown me the importance of serving others.

I have always had a love for fashion and an innate desire to help others. Thus Threads of Freedom was born. I help women style themselves while building confidence and laying the groundwork for deeper transformation. I am actively seeking a collaboration with Glory House of Miami to support the human trafficking survivors, to dive deeper into bringing awareness to the topic, and to provide my services to those who need it most.

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?
I would definitely want to provide an authentic Miami/South FL experience, so although South Beach has evolved i would definitely show them the architecture, some shopping on Lincoln Rd, Puerto Sagua or Bodega or Steves pizza for lunch. Maybe take a spin through Little Havana and grab a cafecito. I would also take them to a fancy dinner at Baoli, Mila, or Papi Steak. A rooftop bar, a pool party at a nice hotel, and the Wynwood Walls are a must. More shopping at Aventura Mall and Sawgrass Mills. Its highly likely we would do a spa day at one of the popular hotels and a fun brunch or two. I would take my guest to Brickell, Doral and midtown as well as Oleta River State Park to kayak, hike or bike. We would definitely visit the FATart Village in Fort Lauderdale as well. There are so many restaurants, bars, museums, historic and cultural places to see in south Florida it would be difficult to name them all. Me and most of my friends have a wide range of interests and we like to seek out local events and try new restaurants. Through our exploration we would also be people watching and taking mental notes on the fashion of course!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Huge shoutout to two incredible women’s leadership groups- Warrior Women and B.A.L.M. Global for their unwavering mentorship, encouragement, and belief in me.
Their guidance has reminded me of the strength that comes from sisterhood, community, and the power of purpose driver leadership. A special thank you to Glory House of Miami as well for inspiring me to step boldly into the fight against human trafficking. Their work has opened my eyes and heart to a mission far greater than myself. Through interacting with these organizations I am more committed to using my voice, my gifts, and my platform to be a light in dark places. Together and in our own unique ways we are building legacies of courage, compassion and change.

Website: https://threads-of-freedom.com

Instagram: Threads_of_freedom

Linkedin: Elizabeth Cruz

Other: mythreadsoffreedom@gmail.com

Both my website & business Instagram accounts are new and under construction

Image Credits
Elizabeth Cruz took these pictures