Welcome to Threadlines, our monthly blog dedicated to celebrating our passionate supporters who inspire our brand. This month, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on none other than Mansawear devotee, the fabulous Queen Wendy Johnson—who’s also celebrating 33 wonderful years of marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Dion.
Wendy and I first crossed paths around the year 2000 at the now-defunct Metro Carlson YMCA, where our lockers happened to be in the same row. At the time, Wendy worked as a Pre-kindergarten teacher for the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Our schedules often overlapped: I'd be wrapping up my 5:00 AM “Dawn Patrol” workout just as she was starting her day. If I ever missed seeing her in the locker room, it meant I’d worked out longer than usual—or, on the rarest occasion, Wendy was running late. But Wendy was never late. She is truly the rock of Gibraltar—reliable, steadfast, and above all, kind and caring.
Her work in pre-kindergarten childcare speaks volumes about her character. Kindness and compassion are not just qualities Wendy possesses—they are the foundation of her life’s work. She has cared for generations of little ones during the day and, with equal grace, cared for her aging parents until their passing—her mother in 2021 and her father in 2024, at the ages of 89 and 92, respectively. Family is at the heart of Wendy’s life. She comes from an extended family and is a devoted aunt to her niece Kelly and nephew Chad. Actually Wendy is “mama” to 5 adult nieces and nephews, and 8 grandnieces and nephews.
Wendy was among Mansawear’s very first customers, back when we were just a 3-4-times-a-year trunk show. The first piece I ever created for her was the Nydia Dress in 2007, pictured in vivid pink with bold embroidered accents. She wore it with effortless charm and helped me believe in what Mansawear could become. Since then, our relationship has blossomed, and I now consider her not just a loyal supporter, but a dear friend. A true Mansawear devotee, Wendy has been consistently supportive of all my creative and professional endeavors.
Even as a devoted Seventh-Day Adventist—who observes Sabbath from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset—Wendy still makes time to show up for events, even if just for a few hours. That’s the kind of friend and supporter she is.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate Wendy—the Rock of Gibraltar—and all the creative, joyful ways she wears and lives the Mansawear style.
To see Wendy's favorite Mansawear styles, check out the Debora Long Sleeve Midi A-line Dress and other made-to-measure pieces at:
https://mansawear.com/collections/womens-dresses.
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