During the holidays, I wrote several posts highlighting local companies. One of my favorites is the C.L.E. Clothing Company. I love their fun and relaxed designs, and their insistence on highlighting the pride that all of us who live in Cleveland should feel about our beautiful city. I wanted to interview them, but they were so busy this past holiday season that they even opened a shop at Strongsville Mall. Now that the bunting is down and most people are through with shopping and decorations, I had the chance to interview the folks at C.L.E. President Obama spoke last night about the small business people who take risks that are the backbone of our economy. Here is one small business that is doing a great job.
What made you decide to start this business?
Well, people are always coming up with ideas, and people are always saying “hey that could be a t-shirt” well….we are also people and also have ideas for t-shirts, we just put our foot down and some cash down and started a t-shirt company. It started out as a creative outlet from our day jobs that was also fun to do, then it kind of exploded into a success….which is also very fun!
Why Cleveland themed merchandise?
Clevelanders have great civic pride, and we see the glimmer of what Cleveland could be as a City. We see the restoration and updates of neighborhoods and downtown areas as well as the attention we’re getting nationally for that effort as well as the foodie movement here. We wanted to be a part of the positive movement going on, just using t-shirts as our vehicle. The T-Shirt is Pop-Culture’s greatest vehicle for marketing….as our slogan says…we’re “Spreading Cleveland Pride….One T-Shirt at a Time” and that’s what we’re trying to do.
Has the community been supportive?
The response from the community has been immensely supportive. We just celebrated our 1 Year anniversary over the Holidays, and it seems like every event or local boutique we go to we sell out. Our greatest enjoyment is having a connection with someone through our t-shirts, that and its fun to watch people come to our table at events and point to the shirts and say…” I have that one, and that one, and that one, and that one….Oooh! I want that one.” That just hits us right here (pointing to the heart) it’s so cool to have that kind of reaction to something as simple as a T-shirt.
Where can people see and buy your designs?
visit http://cleclothingco.com/ and make sure to follow our blog http://cleclothingco.blogspot.com/ and twitter @cleclothingco
What makes your products different?
We think we’re doing fun, hip, cute (can I say that?) and positive designs. We always try to stay creative in our approach to our designs, whether it’s the full design or the tiniest detail.
Where do you see your company going in the future?
We’re always evolving. We’re always coming up with new ideas and ways to stay creative and 10 steps ahead of the next guy….only time will tell you’ll just have to wait and see.
Do you have new designs coming in 2010?
Plenty…..you’ll just have to wait and see….but the “recyC.L.E.” design will most likely come out this year.
Do you plan on staying in Cleveland?
We’re not prophets….just a Graphic Designer and a Sales Engineer, living life and having fun doing it….time will tell….I might move to Bath when I’m 40…it’s nice out there in the woods, plus it’s really close to Swenson’s which has the best Cheeseburgers ever, and we’ll fight anyone who says different, but anyway C.L.E. Clothing Co. will always have it’s base in Cleveland, where it grew up.
Do you have plans for a brick and mortar location?
the thought has crossed our mind….but again, you’ll just have to wait and see…
