The Swag Shop brings custom, unique designs to apparel

With the prices of retail and custom-made clothing increasing, Lind resident Diane Kennedy’s goal of opening a business included providing community members with an affordable and fun way to order custom marketing and promotional merchandise.

Kennedy’s business called “The Swag Shop”, located at 208 West Second Avenue in Lind, offers a variety of services including the printing of custom t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, vinyl banners, hats and many more.

Her slogan, “Say It On a Shirt!” encourages customers to be creative when designing their custom creations whether for promotional or personal purposes.

Kennedy is a self-taught professional who said she believes anyone can start a business with enough motivation and drive.

Her experience in custom-made merchandise began when she worked for a screen-printing shop in Spokane where she learned the basics before deciding to start her own business.

Born and raised in Republic, Kennedy said her natural creativity stems from her mother and grandmother, who taught her how to sew and inspired her to be a visionary. She remembers traveling to Lind as a child with her grandparents Pearl and Perry Davis to help farm.

When her grandma and mother became ill, Kennedy said she moved to Lind from Grand Coulee to care for them in 1991. When she arrived, she started an upholstery shop for a source of income.

Kennedy said she operated the business for two years before working for the screen-printing shop in Spokane.

Kennedy said she never thought busy work would benefit her health until she broke her neck in a car accident. The injury caused the right side of her body to be compromised, making basic movements challenging.

While working in Spokane, Kennedy said the screen-printing business acted as physical therapy by keeping her moving and her muscles working.

Kennedy said she had little experience with screen-printing and learned the basics by reading self help books and watching tutorials.

She then moved to Everett, where she worked with multiple bands and clubs in the area, and designed shirts and album covers for them. Designing promotional merchandise inspired Kennedy to start the “Ladies Who Rock Foundation”, whose members are devoted to donating their time to make a difference.

Kennedy moved back to Lind in 2015 and opened The Swag Shop in March 2016. At the beginning, a majority of her business came from existing customers from Spokane and Everett, she explained.

After promoting her business on Facebook and by printing stickers for drivers in the Lind Combine Derby, Kennedy said locals began to spread the word about The Swag Shop.

Since she opened, Kennedy said she has designed t-shirts for multiple businesses and individuals in the area, as well as printed calendars.

Kennedy said the estimated small orders can usually be completed overnight and with big orders, she asks customers to allow up to two weeks depending on the size of the order.

The Swag Shop offers a variety of items to be custom printed on including t-shirts, tank tops, hats, cups, plates, banners, bags, sweatshirts and even baby clothing. Kennedy said customers have a large variety of designs to choose from or they can bring in their own.

For those wanting to print a photo on a shirt, The Swag Shop offers sublimation printing on light colored shirts, she explained. Kennedy said she also has rhinestones and beads for customers wanting to add decor to their order.

The Swag Shop offers men’s shirts in a variety of colors and styles. Women’s shirts are also available in t-shirt or tank top styles.

Kennedy said The Swag Shop also offers banner and poster printing.

For bulk orders, Kennedy said the charges depend on the size of the order and she is willing to negotiate on pricing.

To view The Swag Shop’s merchandise and offers, visit http://www.theswagshoponline.com. To contact Kennedy regarding information about her services or to place an order, call 360-269-6732.

The Swag Shop’s is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.