New Katie-Dids! shop comes to Shell Factory
A new and original T-shirt shop is now in the Shell Factory Shops.
Katie-Dids! Originals, Inc. offers custom designs, name brand apparel and – for fishing enthusiasts and others – a place to find that perfect gift.
Snook, trout, redfish, dolphin, king fish, tarpon, grouper and more are available on their works, designed specifically with the Southwest Florida fishing aficionado in mind.
Owners Katie Cundiff (hence the name “Katie-Dids!) and husband Travis Cundiff are the force behind the shop, and the business is a family affair.
Daughter Brooks, a graphic artist, takes mom’s designs to the printing stage and son Clay manages all the printing.
Katie-Dids! Originals, Inc. has been imprinting and embroidering apparel since 1986. The family believes their custom designs and quality product sets them apart from the rest.
The business started when Katie and Travis met at art school, the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design.
“We met in art school, in the late 1960s,” she said. “Before Travis graduated he started making metal sculptures, to make money to put himself through school. Then he started selling to the designer trades, in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.”
As a result as being a part of those showrooms, he designed more, and started combining metal sculptors with shells, minerals, and butterflies – even exotic beetles.
“We had a full line of exotic and unusual high-end sculptures and decorative accessories for the home and office. As a result we had some things we couldn’t mass produce, so we opened our own line of galleries in Long Boat Key, Palm Beach, and even in Martha’s Vineyard,” Katie said.
The next step in their business was to develop something in the summer for tourists, less expensive items, souvenirs. “I designed a line of T-shirts, with butterflies, shells and anything else I drew. I drew everything. We sold them in islands, St. Thomas included and they were tropical, and with fish that you find in those waters. We kind of evolved into T-shirts with the fish of the area.”
Next came a Gulf Coast series. “Because we are on the Gulf Coast of Florida, we also became involved with the Gulf Coast Conservation Association, and also did tournament shirts on the Gulf Coast, a lot of fishing shirts.
“We also became involved in Ducks Unlimited, and designed a line of T-shirts for them, along with the National Wild Turkey Federation and Safari Club International.”
The hub of their activity is in Sarasota, 16,000 square feet of space with two automatic presses and two multi-head embroidery machines.
Embroidery is a specialty, along with special imprinting for boats and vehicle wrap. “We do custom work for individuals, schools and businesses.”
The family has now been in Sarasota or 40 years now, originally from the Chicago area. “I came to Ringling in 1968 and never left. I now teach there,” said Katie.
The new Shell Factory location is a new high point for the business. “It was a perfect fit with the Shell Factory & Nature Park theme of nature itself.
“We carry Columbia apparel, and do everything from caps to bags to beach towels. Short sleeve, no-sleeve, pocket, no pocket, all kind of designs.”
Travis said they had worked with the Shell Factory for many years, getting shells for their sculptures.
“We are so excited to welcome the Katie Did’s family to the property,” said Shell Factory owner Pamela Cronin. “This first class organization has brought a high quality product and will also offer a wonderful opportunity to teams, organizations and businesses to order great shirts, hats and other products with their logos and names.”
“One of our goals is to provide promotional items for local businesses, wholesale and retail. We can customize anything with a business logo or name” said Travis.
Of the family tradition, Clay said, it is more than fun to be with his family everyday at the Sarasota shop. “It is fun seeing my family everyday, including my nephew.”
“That’s how we have done our business for years, bringing the kids to work,” said Travis.
The number for the shop and other orders is 800-633-2864. You can also view more at katiedids.com.