If You Can Think It, D’s Tees Can Print It

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It all started in summer 2016 when Elisa Henderson and her teenage daughter, Devyn Trosser, wanted to put some of Devyn’s artwork on T-shirts for a few upcoming festivals. But when she looked at companies that could do the order, she was blown away. “Their prices were insane,” she said.

If the mom-and-daughter duo were going to proceed, Henderson realized it made more sense for her to buy a printer and do it herself. “I ran with it and decided to start a business,” said the self-proclaimed workaholic, who also holds a full-time job as a postmaster. “Within a matter of less than two weeks, I had purchased a direct-to-garment printer, and had decided to start a business.”

That was how Henderson came to launch D’s Tees Design and Print Studio, specializing in print-to-order T-shirts for team, company or personal use. Unlike larger companies, which may have a minimum requirement for ordering, D’s has a smaller focus — and with a much smaller price tag, making it more realistic for a variety of needs.

Customers can turn to D’s Tees to get a one-of-a-kind fashion statement for themselves, a personalized gift for a loved one, a memorable party favor for guests, a casual uniform for employees, or any special occasion life might bring.

Such occasions might be matching shirts for bachelorette parties, honeymoons, themed birthdays, group vacations or family reunions. “I can do any of that,” Henderson said. “Being that we are a small family business, I am able to cater to the particular needs of individuals and ensure they are getting what they need and what will work with their theme and budget.”

Originally, Henderson and Devyn had planned to have Devyn hand-draw all the designs for the T-shirts, but they quickly realized Devyn’s studies in the Performing and Visual Arts magnet program at Brooklyn Park Middle School consumed more time than they expected. Despite her busy schedule, Devyn is still able to help customers from time to time in designing their logos.

In other instances, customers have approached Henderson with a specific work of art in mind — for example, a drawing done by a toddler that a proud parent wants transferred onto a T-shirt. “That way, you’re not putting all these memories in a box and putting them away somewhere — you can put them on a shirt,” Henderson said. In addition to shirts, D’s Tees can transfer designs onto glass, canvas, wood and metal. “Anything that comes from a natural fiber,” Henderson said.

Henderson has wasted no time in getting out in the community and collaborating. She has worked with local artist Ashley Griffin and her studio, The Griffin’s Forge, to put some of her work on shirts. D’s Tee has also had booths at Baltimore Comic Con, Baltimore Pride Celebration, PARKFEST, Monster Mania Con, Premier Bridal Wedding Expo and other regional conventions. In 2017, D’s Tees will appear at FarPoint Awesome Con.

She’s also been involved with local event fundraisers. She’s also helped a friend create the design and make event shirts for the “Save the Lady Lumps” fundraiser for breast cancer research at Mixers Bar in Baltimore.

“I’m hoping to get more involved in the community and with the schools,” Henderson said, citing an interest in offering her services to local art classes by transferring students’ designs onto shirts for them to wear.

“I have always supported local business,” she continued. “D’s Tee’s hopes to continue that … Since the start of D’s Tees, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few local businesses, including Art Worx Tattoo & Piercing and JAMS Vaporium.”

People who are interested in learning more about Henderson’s capabilities can find and like “D's Tee's Design & Print” on Facebook. Although the service is based online and does not have a physical storefront, customers can call Henderson between 10:00am and 8:00pm on Saturday or Sunday at 443-637-7051 or email dstees.info@gmail.com.

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