She's a self-taught screen printer... Living life on her terms

My name is Kelly Burton. I started my print shop in Dec. 1, 2016 and it has grown slowly. We have a lot of custom apparel businesses in our small town, so business is tough at times. I keep pushing to prove to myself and my family, I am passionate about this business.

When I was 18, I was in a career center and I took Graphic Arts. I loved it and learning the new things the teacher had for us. I was 18 and pregnant and trying to make my path for the future. Well, on Dec. 1, 1992, I gave birth early to a beautiful little girl. I was out of school for a while, but then the worst thing in life happened and I lost her in Jan. 1993. I never returned to school and fell into depression and things just fell apart.

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Through the years, I tried many jobs and nothing made me happy, but with new babies, I had to just go. I did end up finishing high school in 2008 and was very proud of that. It only took 15 years...lol, but I got it done. I went to school for dental assisting. Starting a job I loved and loved the people who I worked with, but I knew it is not want I wanted to do. I knew I wanted my own business and be successful.

So life moved on and I ended up moving to a new state, and gained some courage. Working in a factory was not my thing. So I took some time to reflect on what in my life made me love what I was doing. Which took me back to graphic arts class, I loved creating. I loved the hands-on work. So I googled "How to start a t-shirt business", and to say the least I was pumped! Starting buying stuff and equipment and started to self teach myself. With lots of support from family, spouse and friends, I found a small place to start my shop. I took a leap of faith and began. On a day I wanted to celebrate and it was my daughter's birthday.

This journey has not been easy by no means. Having to learn all over again, plus learning marketing, sales and business. I have quit so many things in my life and what I have learned was that I did not have the passion for my career.

But I am learning everyday how to be better and I show up everyday. What keeps me going is that I create art and place it on a shirt and love to see the customer's face when they pick it up.

Kelly Burton
ASPA Member - New Wave Graphics
Bellefontaine, Ohio

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