How did it come about that you started your own business CuTee Boutique? Summer of last year I purchased my Cricut machine in hopes of making a few fun projects for my husband’s high school classroom and make some fun T-shirts for myself. One of the first shirts I made was one I had been wanting myself for quite some time which was a “Real Housewives of North Port” tee. I thought it was a funny play of the tv series and thought other moms would get a kick out of it. I posted it to a moms group I was in on Facebook and added to the caption “ Who wants one” and the response was overwhelming.
That was the first time I sold shirts and then it inevitably led to moms requesting other designs. I was excited because I always said I’d start a business someday and this was one I could do from home while still being able to homeschool and care for my kids.
What was the step by step process of opening the business? After that post the process moved pretty quickly. I had moms making me pages and groups themselves and I decided I needed to really figure out a game plan. In July of 2021 I made a simple group on Facebook and invited my friends and posted designs and the orders started coming in.
Later on that month I made an Etsy shop thinking that would be a great platform for my work and I think I made one sale on it which was super discouraging at first. I found that all of my orders were coming directly from Facebook. I kept getting asked for my website so that people could see all of my designs, prices, and other information.
I created my first website in October 2021 and that serves as a nice way for people to place and pay for shirts they saw on Facebook.
I applied for an LLC early 2022 and on February 11th 2022 I received my paperwork back as an official small business owner of CuTee Boutique.
Since then we’ve bought our first home and God was so gracious to give us a sunroom to run my business in which was a lot better than the section of the kitchen it was in before.
Click on the below link to visit CuTee Boutique Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/765971567410441
Click on the below link to visit CuTee Boutique Website
The step by step of creating a t-shirt? The majority of the work happens on the front end. Once I receive a request for a shirt it’s usually a process of digging into someone’s mind and figuring out exactly what they’re wanting. Most people have a general idea but they haven’t thought through the details. Some have a photo they want to use for inspiration and some don’t.
Every order is so unique and that’s exciting. Sometimes I’m sending someone 20+ fonts until we settle on one they like and others I’m given full creative control. After we work out the design I head to Michaels to pick up the shirt and depending on the design, the next steps vary. There are different ways to create a shirt. I work with vinyl, sublimation, and printable vinyl most often. After the shirt is made I take a photo package it up and send it out.
You are Jesus loving Christian. What role does that play in your business? It’s the entire motivation behind everything that I do. I’m serving the Lord by using the talents and abilities He’s given me to serve others. I teach my children that we are beings created by God to use our gifts to glorify Him in all that we say and do.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
What benefits not just financial do you receive by having this business? The absolute biggest gift that I wasn’t anticipating was the example it sets for my children. They watch as I design, create, package, and communicate with customers. They are very involved in every project I do and they’ve taken personal interests in starting their own businesses. It’s such a joy to demonstrate for them how to work hard, deal with obstacles, and problem solve. I can’t think of a better way to teach them than to show them.
Can you talk about the people who have supported your business and some of their encouraging words they send your way? My biggest encouragers have been my family. They are so supportive and always tell me how proud of me they are.
How many hours per week do you spend on CuTee Boutique. This varies on the projects I have going on. I generally wake up at 5am and work a hour or so before my kids wake up and then an hour or two while they’re playing outside. If I have a big project I’ll get up earlier and work longer after homeschooling. So usually only a few hours a day.
I know you are a stay-at-home Mom and homeschool. How do your children play a role in the business; how do they support you in this? I’m constantly having to make sure that I remain present with my kids. Making sure that homeschool comes before my business. My kids are quick to keep me in check if they feel that is being compromised”
Are you limited to what you can print on t-shirts? Size wise yes. My printer is only compatible with 8.5x14in paper. In terms of vinyl I can cut up to 24x12in. There are always creative ways around these restrictions if you put your mind to it.
What other products do you provide besides t-shirts? I’ve made keychains, ornaments, coasters, and so many random things. I’ve even recently started selling cookies. I really think it’s important for me to focus on one specialty and grow in that so while I do miscellaneous projects at times, I try to stick to what I love doing most, T-shirts.
Click on the link below to visit BROOKE COOKIE Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/557758499195940
What colors of actual- shirts do you offer? I offer every color under the sun. I try not to keep too many shirts on hand since there are so many colors, styles, and sizes. It’s just would be overwhelming trying to stock pile them all. I’ve found it’s best to order on demand and I use various websites with fast shipping when I can’t find what I need locally.
Do you create some of your own designs? Yes! One of my favorite things to do is design. Most of the time someone will come to me with an idea and I get to express myself creatively. It’s so fun to challenge myself and try new things.
Can you give us examples of some of the t-shirts that you have sold? My work varies from personal tees to work shirts. I’ve done projects for churches and small organizations.
What is the most difficult thing of having your own business? Having to turn away orders. Sometimes I receive an order that’s too large or a design I don’t feel comfortable making. It’s really hard to say no but it’s a necessary part of business.
The number one best thing of having this business. Having a creative outlet. It’s brought me so much joy having something that’s my own to challenge and grow myself.
Can you describe the room/space where you do these t-shirts? Can you also send me a photo of this room? As well as views from this room to the outside if you have windows? We just bought a small 1300 square foot home at the end of February. I really wanted a room for homeschooling and my business since at our rental it was all on a table in the kitchen which was challenging. The Lord was kind and blessed us with a sunroom in our home that’s air conditioned where I work on my orders and store my supplies.
Anything you would like to add? The name CuTee came from combining the words “cut”, and “tee” together. It conveniently looks like a misspelling of Cute which is an added bonus!