Daily Inspiration: Meet Nell Green

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nell Green.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
We have lived overseas most of our adult lives. Our children were raised in Senegal, West Africa, and Brussels, Belgium. In 2015, my daughter and I returned to Senegal. The Senegalese women are beautiful and very elegant. We birthed the idea of sourcing fabric from around the globe and hiring refugees in the US to bring our clothing designs to life. Threads by Nomad was born. We were up and running the beginning of 2016 after a Kickstarter campaign. 

After a short time, we had refugees coming to us asking for work, for help with training, for microloans, etc. We decided to start the non-profit “The Off Ramp’ providing economic opportunities for refugees in the US and outside the US. Our partnerships have extended to Uganda, Senegal, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, and multiple sites here in the US. By offering opportunities for economic stability, “The Off Ramp” offers refugees an exit off the Refugee Highway. 

Though originally based in Houston, we relocated to the East Coast when my husband took an early retirement from the agency we both worked for. We knew we would eventually relocate; we just did not anticipate this early. Starting over on the East Coast in the middle of a pandemic was very challenging. Threads by Nomad looks different. Ways The Off Ramp is assisting refugees has changed. Like everyone else, we flexed and pivoted! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest struggle has been financial management. For a long time, we tried to do it all ourselves. We have to admit that we are not as capable as others in spreadsheets, money management, budget planning, etc. We were grateful when our current business manager agreed to come on board. 

The biggest struggle on the East Coast is that our seamstresses are scattered. Many if not most, refugee women want/need to work from home for a variety of reasons. Yet, they desire to contribute to the economic power of their families. So rather than a studio that hired folks full time, we know how women in Raleigh, Charlotte, Houston, and Knoxville. 

The pandemic was a major struggle. We were not that big. It hurt us terribly to tell our folks (one full-time and two contract workers) were moving. In the end, it was very positive. Because they worked for us for about 3 years, we were able to give them references, and all have gone on to better positions that we were able to offer. That is the whole goal! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an ordained minister. I have lived and worked cross-culturally for 38 years. I am a retired Registered Nurse. I have worked with refugees, primarily from Africa and the Middle East. Besides our social entrepreneurial activities, I have conducted well-baby clinics, taught English, taught community health workers, and addressed the spiritual needs of the refugee community. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My daughter has been my partner throughout the visioning, creating, and executing of Threads by Nomad and The Off Ramp. My husband has supported us every step of the way and works alongside us. 

We are very grateful to our business manager, Jackie Robinson, who helped us get the finances straight and move forward in a healthy way. 

Dr. Jim King, former Dean of Mary Hardin Baylor University’s McClane School of Business, was a great encourager and advisor as we developed the business. 

Pricing:

• Handwoven Vests $220
• Tailored pants $95
• Wrap skirts $60
• Artillery Bead Necklace $58
• Unpaper Towels (one dozen) $24

Contact Info:

• Website: www.threadsbynomad.com and www.theofframp.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofframp_ https://www.instagram.com/threadsbynomad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofframphtx https://www.facebook.com/threadsbynomad
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/butch-and-nell-green-80657410/
• Other: 2023 Impact Report for The Off Ramp and Threads by Nomad https://www.theofframp.org/_files/ugd/6b6c80_f4b74bd1a5cc42b99718a20f7029fd33.pdf

Image Credits
Sabrina Fields Photography