Get to Know the Locals: Meghan Litchfield, Owner of RedThread

How many ladies out there have a hard time finding clothes that fit right? It can be an exhausting endeavor shopping for clothes, especially after having a baby. Bodies change with time, yet the clothes available are not designed with actual women's bodies in mind. Instead, clothing is often designed with the thought that we can be categorized into sizes. But a size 4 in one store can easily be an 8 in another. Or for those women in the world (myself, included) that are shorter or taller than the average, well, we all know alterations are our friend.

I know for myself, there have been many times I wished I could find another alternative to the normal sizing that we find in stores. Little did I know there was an amazing, inspiring and forward-thinking woman who loves Tahoe as much as I do creating the solution to a problem that the majority of women face. Meghan Litchfield, a newly transplanted Truckee local, saw the frustration on many ladies' faces, stepped up and created a revolution with her company RedThread.

In the words of the savior herself, "It was about building a brand that solves this big problem for all women of all different body shapes: You can come as you are. [I wanted] to make women’s lives easier and help them feel better about themselves in their clothes.”

And RedThread is doing just that. One lady at a time.

When Meghan jumped at the chance to be a part of our Get to Know the Locals column, I was excited to learn more about the person who can help so many with her simple innovation. Continue reading to learn more about Meghan and why she loves calling our beautiful area home.

How long have you lived on Lake Tahoe?

Our family has been living in Truckee full time for one year. Prior to that, we were "those people" driving here every weekend because we loved it so much, but we couldn’t make it work with my company RedThread, since we were working with local sewing teams all over San Francisco. Finally, we moved the company up here to Tahoe, where we hired a full operations and sewing team in our brand-new zero-waste sewing studio in Verdi.

Where did you grow up and live before you came here?

I grew up in Buffalo, New York, spending a lot of time skiing and sailing. Life and work took me around the world to Chicago, New York and then London, where I married my husband, and then we moved to San Francisco 15 years ago in pursuit of a California adventure. Two kids and a rescue dog later, we’re still here!

What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe town or village?

I have to pick Truckee, where we live. The people here are absolutely incredible, and I am so grateful that the community has welcomed our family here.

What is your favorite thing about living in Lake Tahoe?

Being outside all the time, all year round, doing amazing things in nature. The possibilities here are endless.

What’s your favorite season in Tahoe? 

This is the tough one – I would have to say winter since I love skiing and skating, but fall is a close second.

What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe beach access?

West Shore over by Homewood because it’s quiet.

Do you have a favorite trail or area to access the mountains?

Trail 6, because it’s super close to my house and normally very quiet.

What do you do for fun?

I love to do anything outdoors: skiing, cycling, hiking with my rescue dog, paddleboarding, sailing, swimming or playing basketball and tennis with my kids. I read a lot to relax. I love to feel healthy and be strong, so I exercise every day – I used to be a professional dancer, so I take dance classes, Pilates or yoga.

Describe your perfect day off.

Breakfast at home with my family. Morning walk with my dog. Some sort of outdoor activity depending on the season – skiing at Palisades or paddleboarding on the lake. Picnic outside with friends. Yoga class. Powernap. Get a little work done so I feel productive. Cook a meal at home with friends and some great red vino. In bed by 10 p.m.

Do you see more sunsets or sunrises?

Sunrises. I am an early bird.

What’s one thing you wish more Lake Tahoe visitors knew?

Hmm ... not sure I should let this one out of the bag, but fall is the best time to visit. The weather is still incredible, and there are hardly any crowds here so we all get our run of the place!

Where do you go on vacation?

I love going to the beach – anywhere on the coast. Stinson Beach is a favorite spot or the coastline up in Mendocino.

For a celebratory dinner, would you rather order take-out, go out to eat or cook something at home?

Go out! After COVID, there is no greater luxury for me than a meal out with friends.

What’s your favorite meal of the day, and where in Lake Tahoe would you get it?

Breakfast at Smokey’s in Truckee – although between school drop-off and work, I think I only make that happen about twice a year!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

We started RedThread to help all women feel great in their clothes with a unique, perfect fit, custom-made just for them. My favorite thing about my job is all the letters and reviews we receive from women who feel amazing wearing our clothes. These letters are what keep me getting up every day and hustling!

Do you have any side hustles?

I think a side hustle means something you are actually paid for ... I wish I did! I am 100% all-in on RedThread, the board work I do with KEEN shoes and my community work at Dress for Success helping women apply for jobs.

What was the first thing you wanted to do once COVID was over?

I really missed my friends and family during COVID. So, this summer, we're traveling around the country, visiting all our friends we haven’t seen in 2+ years and having a lot of people coming to see us.

What’s one item on your bucket list?

I absolutely love to travel and explore new places because it leads to a richer life and gives perspective. I would like to share my favorite places with my kids, who are ages 10 and 7, before they hit the teen years, and I am officially uncool. The places on our list include Japan, India, Rwanda and Kenya (our daughter Mara is named after the Masai Mara in Kenya).