We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ila Cartwright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ila , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2018, I started working full time as a School Counselor at Bensley Elementary School. There was a 5th grade teacher, Mary Jaco, who I would always purchase custom items from, mostly t-shirts. I’d wear them to events and even themed days at the school. I was constantly finding things for her to make for me. One day, Jaco asked if I wanted to learn how to make customized t-shirts and I said yes. As I ordered, she would allow me to come and help her create the items in her workspace. I really enjoyed doing this and it became a fun hobby for me. It was very therapeutic and created the space for me to enjoy creating. In 2020, when everything shut down, I took time to dedicate to perfecting this craft. I had PLENTY of time to expand my capabilities beyond t-shirts and learned various methods for creating them. I learned how to create other things like cups, bags, mouse pads, puzzles … really anything I could get my hands on. I started posting my creations on instagram and a business sprouted from there. I wasn’t concerned about making money with the business. I started it as a way to give to others. I LOVE custom made items. I believe they can tell a story, make a lasting memory and add joy into the lives of others. It is worthwhile to me because of the impact that my work has.

Ila , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The Cartwright Collection is a black owned business located in Hopewell, VA. The owner is Ila Cartwright. I am a one-woman show. I started The Cartwright Collection because I found a hobby that became a passion. I wanted to share my passion with other in a way that I could bring their vision to life. The Cartwright Collection creates and provides custom t-shirts, cups, glasses, stove covers and gift boxes. I have even had the opportunity to complete wood-work, logos and window decals for a couple of local business. I create timeless pieces for priceless memories. I take pride in my work and aim to consistently provide items of quality.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Surprisingly, word of mouth! I have to admit, advertising through social media is not a strength of mine. It’s a work in progress. However, the majority of my new clients have been from word of mouth. It’s typically someone who is a friend, sibling or related to a current client or customer of mine. Those who enjoy my work share their experience with The Cartwright Collection. I am always grateful for the referrals as they speak to the quality of the service that I provide.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

YES! For larger orders of custom t-shirts (100+), I will use a vendor to print the design in bulk. Then I will apply the design to the shirt. I had an order for a school. It was my first time doing business with the elementary school so I wanted to make a big impression. I had ordered the designs with plenty of time to get the large order completed. However, I received a notification that the design prints would not be to me in time. It was stated that they would be delivered about 3 days after the due date that the shirts needed to be completed by. So, I had to problem solve — and create time for the additional work that needed to be done. The shirts were 2 colors so I had to cut the designs using my cricut. Then, I had to weed all of the designs to then heat press them on to the shirts. It was definitely going to take HOURS to complete. If I did not complete this order, it would not be good. The particular school was set to begin school for the school year within a few days. Although The Cartwright Collection is run solely by me, I have a very large support system who were willing to help accomplish this order. I gathered a team of people (friends & family) to help with the production of the shirts. We worked tirelessly to complete the order and did it within 2 days! I was so thankful for my tribe and support team. Eventhough the business is self run, those you are connected with are important. They can make the difference in the success of the business. I was SO thankful for them helping with this project. As a result the completion of this project resulted in 5 more large orders from the school and those associated with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cartwright-collection-llc.square.site/
• Instagram: @thecartwrightcollection
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064120688063
• Other: Tiktok: @cartwrightcollection

Image Credits
Darrell Haynes