Cheryl Pratt passed the 10 milestone last month with her business FanDangled Custom Apparel. She originally started the business as a way to spend her time between bus runs for Lowell Area Schools. The business started in her basement, has continued to grow over the years and in February 2021 a storefront in historic downtown Lowell opened its doors.
Growing Business Throughout the Years
Pratt grew up in Lowell and attended Alto Elementary before eventually graduating from Lowell High School in 1981. She moved away for several years but found herself back in the Lowell community in 2001.
In 2012, when FanDangled Custom Apparel was started, Pratt was working part-time as a bus driver for Lowell Area Schools. She held the position from 2001 to 2017 when she decided to focus on her business. The small business was originally designed to give her something to do between her bus runs to help create extra income for vacations and family savings.
“In the 10 years we have been in business we went from our basement to moving to a house with a pole barn to set up shop. To now having a storefront on Main Street in Lowell,” says Pratt.
Pratt started with one commercial embroidery machine, vinyl cutter, heat press, and dye-sublimation printer. Her small business aimed at saving money for the family turned into purchasing more equipment as the business grew. She now operates with three commercial embroidery machines, vinyl cutter, heat press, dye-sublimation printer, one automatic screen press, one manual screen press, rhinestone plotter, digital transfer printer, and offers promotional products as well.
In addition to a change in equipment, the business has moved from her basement to a pole barn to its current location at 210 West Main Street in downtown Lowell. After adding more equipment and employees, the space in the pole barn was no longer sufficient. On February 1, 2021 the downtown storefront opened for business.
“I was looking for a manufacturing space but found this amazing historic space with the beautiful original brick and wood floors,” comments Pratt on the location. “My goal was to create an income for myself and offer a fun, safe and creative place for others to work and be encouraged. I now have 3 amazing employees that keep things fun and hopping!” Kim, Kristen, and Aubrey are not only employees but have become friends with Pratt as well.
Filling Custom Orders
Most of the business FanDangled Custom Apparel takes on is for individual businesses, groups, schools, and organizations. Although Pratt hopes to offer more of a retail area in the near future for those who would like to come and browse products and make purchases.
Screen printing and embroidery are the primary services offered, however, promotional products are a close second. Pratt and her team talk with customers to discuss ideas and designs that will eventually come to life on shirts and other apparel items. They even have the ability to put photos or logos on things like coffee mugs. According to Pratt, there are thousands of possibilities. Some products have a minimum order and others do not.
Fundraising options are also available. They host a website where people have the ability to show and purchase items relieving organizations of having to take orders and track payments.
The best way to obtain a quote for a project is to call or email with some details. From there the team will help hone in on needs and pricing. The number of colors in a design and the type of garment desired are the main price driving factors. Several suppliers are used so there is generally a large option of clothing brands and materials available.
An art setup fee is assessed for screen printing and embroidery. If a customer does not have the type of file needed graphic design services are also offered for a small fee.
Making a Difference One Product at a Time
Throughout the years Pratt’s husband along with friends and family, have been supportive and helpful. “I am so very blessed with a husband who is very handy and can fix and help me figure out issues,” she says of her husband. “He has even stayed up past midnight helping me get jobs done that needed to be out the door the next day!! Even though he doesn’t work the business with me, he is the glue that holds it all together!!”
Businesses and organizations looking to work with FanDangled Custom Apparel can visit their website or Facebook page for more information about their services offered. The store is open Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm and weekends by appointment.
Photos courtesy of FanDangled Custom Apparel and used with permission.
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