About

Human connection doesn’t happen by accident, it’s something we can choose and practice. 

Our mission is to create more positive, everyday interactions between people by removing the fear of judgment around starting a conversation. I Talk to Strangers creates clothing that invites conversation and lowers the social barrier between people leading to more spontaneous, unexpected joy. Designed for those who value curiosity, kindness, and shared humanity.

Our Story

My mother has always told this story about me:

When I first learned how to speak, I would walk up to strangers and say,

“I love you with all my heart.”

At my core, that’s who I am.

And this is how I Talk to Strangers began.

My parents separated when I was very young, and by the time I was five years old, I was flying alone between O‘ahu and Oregon to move between homes. It was the 90s (no smartphones or AirPods) so I entertained myself the only way I knew how: by talking to people.

In airports. On planes. In lines. Anywhere.

Those solo flights continued into adulthood, and so did my habit of connecting with the people around me. I became a waitress, sang in bands, and carried that same open heartedness with me into every room.

As I got older, my social anxiety did increase, but through years of waiting tables and performing for strangers, I built the muscle of human connection. I learned that the discomfort of risking rejection is often the doorway to fulfilling interactions.

Over time, I started noticing a big shift.

In airports especially (but really everywhere) people began keeping to themselves more. Heads down. Headphones in. Eyes on screens. We all carry an instant escape in our pockets now, and starting a conversation with someone new can feel like causing a disturbance.

A couple of years ago, I heard a podcast where someone talked about wearing a pin that said, “I talk to strangers.” She described how it opened the door for connection, signaling to others that she was a safe person to approach.

I loved that idea.

I wanted to try it for myself to let people know: I’m open for conversation. You’re not weird for saying hello and you’re not bothering me. 

But when I went looking for something to wear, nothing felt right. The designs were too loud, too aggressive, or just something I wouldn't want to wear.

So I decided to make it for myself!

Something simple that felt more like an invitation than a demand. Something I could wear when I was going out in public and in the mood for socializing. 

And then I thought, maybe I’m not the only person that wants to try this.

Maybe it’s something worth sharing.

My husband designed our logo, and together, with our baby daughter, we’ve built this small family brand here in Oregon.

We believe that choosing connection can lead to more joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.