Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa.
Hi Teresa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t set out to build a business, I just wanted to create things that felt meaningful.
Back in 2016, I started making custom designs from my house, simple projects for friends, family, and local teams who wanted something more personal than what big-box stores could offer. It was just me, a passion for creating, and a vision I couldn’t quite name yet, but I knew I was onto something.
By 2019, that passion evolved into what is now Stryker Custom Designs. What started as a few made-with-love t-shirts turned into a full-blown brand as word spread and people kept coming back, not just for custom apparel, but for pieces that celebrated connection, identity, and community.
As the business grew, I leaned into what I do best: listening, bringing ideas to life, and making the process easy and personal. I invested in better equipment, brought production in-house, and built systems to keep up with demand, without losing that handcrafted feel.
Today, Stryker Custom Designs is built on creativity, consistency, and community. We help families, schools, teams, and small businesses bring their ideas to life with custom pieces that matter. We’re still growing, but always with intention, because this brand has never been about mass production. It’s always been about heart.
Because to us, it’s not just a shirt…it’s your story.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, more like a winding one, with a few surprise detours and plenty of speed bumps. Some of the challenges along the way:
Balancing creativity with deadlines: Running a custom business means juggling last-minute orders, real-life timelines, and the constant push to keep quality high, especially during busy seasons.
Scaling operations intentionally: As demand grew, we began adding new equipment, machines, and product offerings. Each upgrade came with a learning curve, figuring out how to use new tools, streamline processes, and stay current with what our customers want.
Keeping up with relevance: In a fast-paced market, staying relevant means always learning, from new design trends to production techniques. We’re constantly evolving what we offer to make sure our customers get fresh, high-quality pieces they’re excited to wear.
Cash flow + reinvestment: Like many small businesses, there were times when the expenses for upgrades and materials came before the revenue did. But each investment helped lay a stronger foundation.
Building systems + communication: We’ve had to tighten up our workflow, improve internal communication, and build systems that help us deliver consistently, even when things get hectic.
Every challenge has helped shape Stryker Custom Designs into what it is today: more efficient, more aligned, and still rooted in that personal touch that built our brand from day one.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Stryker Custom Designs?
Stryker Custom Designs isn’t your average print shop, we’re the go-to for custom apparel that feels intentional and made with heart. We help families, schools, teams, and small businesses bring their ideas to life with designs that reflect identity, pride, and community.
I started this brand from my dining room table in 2016, making a few custom shirts for friends and local teams. By 2019, we grew into a full production business with pro-grade equipment, a growing team, and systems that help us keep up with demand, without ever losing that personal touch.
What sets us apart? We care, deeply. We don’t do cookie-cutter. Every project starts with listening, creativity, and the goal to make something people are proud to wear. Whether it’s spirit wear, small-batch merch, or branding for a growing biz, we make it easy, seamless, and actually fun.
We’ve continued to grow, adding new machines, new product lines, and new capabilities, all while staying rooted in what matters: community, creativity, and consistency. I’m proud of the brand we’ve built, but even more proud of how we’ve done it, with intention, care, and real connection.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a shirt… it’s a story. And we love being part of yours.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love collaborating with schools, teams, small businesses, and community organizers who are looking for high-quality custom apparel with meaning behind it. Whether you need shirts for your next event, spirit wear for your squad, or branded merch for your business, we’ve got you.
You can support us by:
Reaching out for custom orders (big or small!)
Referring us to schools, teams, or local businesses
Tagging us on social when you wear your SCD pieces, we love seeing them in action!
Let’s connect:
Facebook: Stryker Custom Designs
Instagram: @stryker.custom.designs
TikTok: @stryker.custom.designs
Website: www.strykercustomdesigns.com
Email: hello@strykercustomdesigns.com
We’re also open to creative collabs with local brands, designers, or organizations that align with our values of community, quality, and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strykercustomdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Stryker.custom.designs/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strykercustomdesigns
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@strykercustomdesigns
