Eclipse 2017: Totality awesome T-shirt design for watch party
In just three years, a local couple has gone from selling 25 “Born and Raised” T-shirts at a festival in Englewood, Tenn., to becoming an in-demand design business and opening a retail store. Now, at the request of Lauren Cox, special event and program coordinator for the town of Farragut, they have designed a “limited edition” T-shirt to commemorate Farragut’s Eclipse Party on Monday, Aug. 21 in McFee Park.
East Tennessee natives Dan and Dawn Wilson met while attending Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Dan earned a degree in broadcast journalism and Dawn graduated with a degree in public relations and marketing. They moved to Knoxville 10 years ago, and both held full-time jobs in their respective careers.
“We weren’t trying to start a business with those first 25 tees,” said Dan. “My cousin needed vendors for the Celebrate Englewood Festival, so we decided to design something for that and it took off from there.”
A self-taught graphic designer, Dan struck a chord with his “state pride”-themed tees, and Dawn worked with him on ideas and slogans. “Homegrown in Tennessee,” “This is Home” and Vol themes were instant hits. The unique design elements and soft feel of the fabric set them apart. “We wanted to use the highest quality we could,” said Dan, adding, “We want this to be your favorite shirt, the one you reach for.”
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It wasn’t easy for the couple at times. “We weren’t an overnight success,” said Dan. “Our jobs, family and faith all took time, so we worked from home at night filling orders from our website and wholesalers. Our garage was the warehouse.”
“Social media was a game changer for us,” said Dawn. Soon orders were coming in from retailers like Bradley’s, Sports Seasons and Alumni Hall. Eventually both quit their day jobs, opening The DW Designs store at 145 West End Avenue in April. “We didn’t expect all the support, but the community embraced us and we’ve been asked to design tees for Farragut Middle School, Hardin Valley Academy and others,” said Dan.
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Giving back to the community is part of their faith and philosophy. When the November wildfires devastated the Gatlinburg area, the Wilsons designed the Smoky Strong tee to benefit the Gatlinburg Relief Fund, raising nearly $30,000. The tees quickly sold out, but are back in stock now.
The store has expanded offerings to include hats, mugs, socks, leggings and all kinds of accessories. Voted as having the best gift shop in Farragut by a recent reader’s choice poll, the designing duo is always creating new items, often based on what people ask for. Dan actually had several requests for eclipse-themed shirts, so he had designs worked up when he got the call from Cox.
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The Town of Farragut's Solar Eclipse Party is from 1-3 p.m. at McFee Park. The first 300 participants receive eclipse glasses.
Stop by the West End store to pick up your exclusive commemorative eclipse tee or go online at thedwdesigns.com. They will also be available at the party. See you there!