Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Garner.
Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Howdy! My name is Hannah Garner, and I’m the founder of Four Gilded Threads, a collegiate and greek life licensed accessory and apparel brand. My journey began at Florida Atlantic University, where I earned my degree and, along the way, developed a deep appreciation for how traditions connect students, alumni, and entire communities. From sorority rituals to game-day pride, I saw how these traditions became threads that wove people together across generations.
At the same time, I realized something was missing. College merchandise was everywhere, but so much of it felt loud, flashy, or temporary—designed more for the moment than for the memory. I wanted something different: timeless, elevated designs that could honor tradition while still feeling fashionable and versatile. I imagined pieces that could transition from the classroom to the tailgate, or even be pulled out years later at a reunion, still carrying the same pride and meaning.
That vision stayed with me after graduation, and I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. I wanted to build a brand that celebrated legacy in a subtle, stylish way while giving students and alumni something they would be proud to wear beyond campus life. What started as sketches and late-night planning sessions quickly grew into Four Gilded Threads, a business I co-founded with my siblings.
The name itself tells our story. There are four of us—three sisters and a brother—who came together to make this dream a reality. “Gilded” reflects both our red-haired roots and the idea of something timeless, layered with meaning. And “Threads” represent the apparel and accessories we craft, each one designed to symbolize connection. Together, those elements create not just a name but a mission: to honor tradition through fashion that lasts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Bringing this business to life came with its share of challenges, especially when it came to licensing and manufacturing. When I first had the idea in early 2024, I wasn’t entirely sure where to begin. In the apparel and accessories world, most business owners keep their factory partners closely guarded, almost like a “secret sauce,” which made the starting point unclear. Through persistence and research, I eventually found blogs and resources that explained how to source manufacturers and create detailed tech packs. Those tools gave me the foundation I needed to move from concept to reality—but it required a great deal of patience and preparation.
The licensing process itself was extensive. It involved reaching out to schools, connecting with licensing agencies, and submitting comprehensive business and marketing plans, along with product samples for review. On top of that, there were significant upfront licensing fees, which added another layer of financial and logistical commitment.
Like many small business owners, I also faced the typical hurdles of balancing production costs, refining samples, and navigating the complexities of sustainable growth. There were moments of uncertainty—approvals took longer than expected, samples needed revisions, and the path forward wasn’t always clear.
Still, those challenges proved invaluable. Each step, from waiting on approvals to reinvesting in new samples, reinforced the importance of doing things the right way and not rushing the process. Looking back, those early struggles built the foundation for the brand and made our August 2025 launch all the more meaningful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Four Gilded Threads, we create licensed accessories for sororities and colleges that honor tradition while embracing contemporary style. Our mission is to design pieces that allow students, alumni, and members to celebrate their affiliations in a subtle, fashionable way—elevating everyday outfits with accessories that carry personal meaning.
What we do goes beyond simply producing products. We specialize in creating designs that are both on-trend yet grounded in heritage, ensuring our pieces remain relevant and meaningful long after their first wear. Every accessory we release is thoughtfully crafted, blending modern aesthetics with the pride that comes from being part of a university or sorority community.
What sets us apart is our approach. Many collegiate products on the market lean heavily on oversized logos or bold graphics that feel temporary or tied to a specific moment. At Four Gilded Threads, we aim for longevity. Our accessories are designed to be functional and stylish for daily wear, while still carrying the essence of tradition. You can wear our designs to a tailgate, in class, to work, or years later as an alum without them ever feeling out of place.
We’re also proud of the personal touch that comes from being family-founded. With three sisters and a brother behind the brand, our business is built on collaboration and shared vision. That closeness translates into the details: we’re meticulous about quality, thoughtful about design, and intentional about ensuring every piece connects back to our core mission—celebrating legacy.
Brand-wise, one of our proudest achievements has been creating a product line that resonates across generations. Current students love our pieces because they’re trendy and wearable, while alumni and families value them for their subtle sophistication and lasting quality. That crossover appeal is what makes Four Gilded Threads unique—we’re not just creating items for a single season of life, but pieces that grow with you—marking milestones like joining a sorority, walking across the graduation stage, or coming back for reunions years later.
What we want readers to know is that Four Gilded Threads is more than just accessories. It’s about carrying a piece of your school spirit or sisterhood with you in a way that feels elevated, modern, and true to who you are. Every design tells a story, every accessory connects back to tradition, and together, they represent the memories, pride, and community that last a lifetime.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that patience and persistence go hand in hand with building something meaningful. Success rarely happens overnight—especially in an industry that requires approvals, licensing, and long lead times. It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow, but I’ve learned to trust the process and keep moving forward, even when challenges arise.
I’ve also discovered the value of staying rooted in your “why.” For me, this brand has always been about honoring tradition and creating lasting connections. Whenever the logistics feel overwhelming, remembering that mission grounds me and motivates me to keep building.
At the end of the day, Four Gilded Threads has taught me that resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose are the true threads that hold a business together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fourgildedthreads.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourgildedthreads/
