North Granby Business Spotlight: Fun Organic Shirts

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Fun Organic Shirts
Owner: Debby Reelitz
Website: http://www.funorganicshirts.com/
Address: 24 Silkey Road, North Granby

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted to keep it simple and clear.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

Fun Organic Shirts emerged out of my calligraphy studio 7 years ago. I’ve done lots of lettering on paper, chalkboards, even carved into wood but these phrases that emerged in my family needed to be brought to life and put on t-shirts where more people would see them!

Briefly, what business are you in?

Selling organic shirts with fun phrases stitched on them.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Marketing and educating. The shirts I sell are a blend of hemp and organic cotton. So I do a lot of explaining about what hemp is and the value of organic cotton. Hemp is an amazing plant that provides food, fibers for clothing, rope, paper and much more. Plus, hemp is incredibly easy to grow and doesn’t need fertilizers or pesticides and easy to turn into wearable fibers. Conventional cotton is the most chemical intensive crop on the planet--so going organic dramatically reduces the pollution of our earth.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Irregular income flows have been the biggest challenge of self-employment.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Having customers come back and tell me how much they love the shirts and the experiences they have when they are wearing them. A story that really touched my heart was a woman who wore the “Whoever Smiles Wins” shirt when she was visiting an older relative. That phrase became a point of light for both of them as the relative became sick. Even at the end of life there was victory in a smile.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

My customers tend to be very environmentally conscientious--often not wanting to buy virgin product because of the demands even organic crops creates for the earth. So this past year we introduced one-of-a-kind clothing with our fun logos. Clothing from thrift stores that are in great shape--we just upcycle the clothes with our stitched logos AND someone knows they are getting a totally unique item to wear.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Take a deep breath and remind myself I have my bad days too.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Our shirts have been sold as fundraisers for non-profits where 20% of the sales goes to the organization. Our “Eat Fresh” design was created for the Holcomb Farm CSA and used as a fundraiser and marketing tool for the farm.

Are you a local small business with a story to tell? Send it to us by clicking here.