An Inspired Chat with Karrisa Dean & Chris Dean of North Phoenix

Karrisa Dean & Chris Dean shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Karrisa & Chris, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think that most people compare small businesses to big box stores/corporations when it comes to pricing, time, and effort it takes to make items. It has become so engrained in our every day life to have immediate gratification that sometimes consumers forget the ‘who’ is behind the logo.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Karrisa Dean and my husbands name is Chris Dean, and together we made our dream of owning our small business come to life! Threaded Cactus Apparel and Embroidery is a family-owned business born from a passion for creativity and a commitment to detail. While balancing the joyful chaos of raising two kids and caring for two energetic dogs, we decided to take the leap to follow our dreams into the embroidery and apparel sector. After starting this business at our kitchen table, we hope to grow into a thriving brand that creates value for many customers. Every product we create reflects the love and dedication that fuels our family, delivering quality and unique designs crafted with care.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Karrisa: I would have to say my father. From the day he and my mother adopted me at age 13, I was in awe of his work ethic. He has always shown me what it means to show up, lead with integrity, and remain loyal no matter the circumstance. Watching the way he works, not just hard, but with consistency and pride, taught me the value of dedication and shaped the way I approach my own life and responsibilities.

Chris: Both of my parents come to mind. My mother put in early mornings and late nights, ensuring that she completed her work, all while dancing around the school and extracurricular schedules my sister and I had. My father didn’t have that same luxury to be able to be as flexible with his job, but I got to witness him climb the ladder at his company by working harder than everyone else. Witnessing both of those work ethics helped shape the type of drive I have in everything I do today.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Karrisa: The fear that has held me back the most is abandonment and the feeling of not having consistent support. Growing up, I often worried that people I cared about would leave or let me down, and that fear made me hesitant to fully trust or lean on others. It sometimes kept me from taking risks or asking for help when I needed it. Over time, I’ve been learning that leaning into relationships, even with that fear present, can bring growth and strength.

Chris: I think I have always feared failure. I’ve been lucky that up to this point in my life, fear hasn’t stopped me from making a healthy living with a tremendous family. But I think this leap of launching a new business is probably the first time I have ever really veered from what might be considered the norm, despite the possibility of it failing, by wanting something more for our family.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Karrisa: My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is loyalty and support. I value relationships where people show up for each other, through both the highs and the lows. To me, being dependable and standing by the people I care about is one of the most important ways to live.

Chris: I think my friends would say that I value hard work and easy, strong friendships where our friends are there for us and our children when we need them. And they would expect the same from us in return

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Karrisa: I think people may misunderstand how much resilience it took to get to where I am. I didn’t let a difficult childhood define my future, and instead I chose to rise above it. My legacy isn’t just about what I’ve accomplished, it’s about proving that hardship doesn’t have to determine your destiny. I hope others see that no matter where you start, you have the power to write a new story for your life.

Chris: I think people may misunderstand how hard I worked in everything I have done. Some may think everything has come easily and naturally to me in school, sports, and work, and in some ways it has, yet I still worked my tail off to be the best version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.threadedcactus.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DM0aQNBRrSl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Threaded-Cactus-61578121053422/

Image Credits
Karrisa Dean