Community Catalysts: How Drew Shaw and Christy Moore Turned Mismatched Socks and Laundromats into Social Hubs
In this engaging episode of Phoenix Business RadioX, host Karen Nowicki welcomes Drew Shaw, CEO of Voyce Threads, and Christy Moore, founder of Social Spin. Drew shares his journey from teaching to founding Voyce Threads, a socially conscious brand known for its mismatched socks that spark conversations about inspiring nonprofits. Christy, a social worker, discusses the founding of Social Spin, a laundromat aimed at creating a vibrant community hub. Both guests emphasize the importance of fostering spaces where people feel a sense of belonging and community.
The conversation seamlessly transitions to exploring the challenges of social entrepreneurship, leadership, and the deep connection between Voyce Threads and Social Spin. Drew and Christy delve into the hurdles they’ve faced, emphasizing the significance of resilience and authenticity in leadership. Later in the episode, the focus shifts to the hardships encountered by Voyce Threads, and Christy addresses racism in the laundromat industry, emphasizing the need for transforming laundromats into safe spaces. 
Voyce Threads is a socially conscious lifestyle brand that partners with nonprofit organizations and uses their work as design inspiration. We created conversation-starting apparel, like mismatched socks, that are community-focused, eco-friendly, and harness the power of generosity.
Drew Shaw is an elementary school teacher turned sock peddler.Drawing from the richness of his diverse personal and professional background, Drew published his first children’s book in 2017 – Rosewood Circle: The First Day, the first book in the Rosewood Circle series. Drew’s most current venture is Voyce Threads, a socially conscious lifestyle brand that brings awareness to important causes through mismatched socks.
As an entrepreneur, Drew spends much of his time speaking to students and adults about the power of following their passion – and uses his own personal narrative to demonstrate how one good idea can lead to another. Drew has a knack for drawing connections between his varied interests in education, community service, and entrepreneurship. His education consulting company, children’s book, and innovative lifestyle brand serve as platforms to inspire others to courageously pursue what matters most to them.
Follow Voyce Threads on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Social Spin distinguishes itself by connecting customers to various forms of care through its unique laundromat locations. This approach extends beyond just laundry services, as they actively facilitate access to essential resources like vaccines, housing navigation, assistance with securing identification documents, and even free haircuts and food. This holistic approach to customer service reflects a deep understanding of the broader needs of the community they serve.
Central to their model is the “Wash with Care” events held every Wednesday. These events are a cornerstone of Social Spin’s commitment to community support, offering neighbors who are facing hardships the opportunity for free laundry or laundry services.
This initiative not only alleviates the financial burden of laundry for many but also provides a platform for community members to connect with each other and access additional support services. Through these efforts, Social Spin goes beyond being a laundromat, becoming a vital community resource that fosters care, support, and solidarity among its patrons.
Christy Moore is Founder & Owner of Social Spin, Inc., both a profit-driven laundry service and an award-winning social justice enterprise. Social Spin locations are safe, trusted community centers where customers can do more than their laundry.
Social Spin brings nonprofit partners to Social Spin locations, to provide care, services and employment assistance and opportunities. Christy recently expanded this mission through the creation of the Social Spin Foundation, a nonprofit committed to ensuring that everyone has access to clean clothes.
Christy has served at the helm of numerous local, statewide and national nonprofits for two decades. Her focuses have included equipping the unemployed and underemployed, empowering victims of violence, protecting women’s reproductive rights and increasing civic engagement.
Christy has a master of social work, is a certified Emergenetics Associate and an AEI Leadership Network Fellow. She received GPCC’s Athena Young Professional Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, National Association of Women Business Owners – Phoenix Business Impact Award, ONE’s Organizational Accomplishment and Innovation Award, YWCA’s Advocacy Award.
Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Christy serves as a board director for Achieving My Purpose, a nonprofit organization that empowers young women of color to embrace and achieve their purpose. She also serves as board president for the newly formed Social Spin Foundation.
She and her husband Mitchell have been pursuing passions together for 15 years, and love being an Auntie and Uncle!
