Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon.
Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Shannon and I would like to introduce you to my latest passion project. My lifestyle brand, Out West Design Co. is a fresh take on locally inspired graphics, crafted with care in Santa Cruz, Ca. The brand tells a story, one that spans through most of my life. I have always believed in taking risks and starting something from scratch.
I was born in the Santa Cruz mountains and raised in Northern California. Growing up among the majestic redwood trees, far away from the distractions we face today, gave me plenty of time to daydream. I was always drawn to art, fashion and design. After high school I returned to Santa Cruz and earned my bachelors degree in cultural anthropology from UCSC. I then went onto to study health and wellness for the next 15 years. When I turned 35 I decided to make a career change, took a giant leap of faith, and opened my first brick and mortar shop. I owned a women’s buy, sell, trade boutique in downtown Santa Cruz and Pleasure Point for about 14 years before I decided to create my own brand.
Out West Design Co. was established in 2023. I work with a local artist and graphic designer in Portland that help me bring my visions to life. All of my graphics are unique to my brand and embody the beauty of our California coastline. I am currently working out of my home studio where I create and press every graphic myself. This has allowed more flexibility and time with my family. I am now able to work in my studio, host pop ups, vend at many events around the area, get my products into a few local shops and continue to design and create.
When I am not working on the brand I can be found spending time with my 2 kiddos and husband, road tripping in our ’87 Westfalia van, with friends or having some much needed quiet time:).
I hope you enjoy and know that you are truly supporting a small business with a BIG idea!
Cheers,
Shannon
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running small businesses with a family has its struggles for sure, but I never felt like I compromised time with my kids because of my work. I have always had a schedule that was very busy and committed but also flexible enough, and that was always important for me. I wouldn’t do it any other way, even if it meant some financial strain along the way.
Being self employed is certainly challenging and isn’t for everyone. Finances can really waver, the economy can be unpredictable, and the brain never shuts off when you run your own business. But the creative freedom for me is critical and I am still as committed today as ever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Out West Design Co. is a brand of graphics that I press onto apparel and accessories. I work closely with a few local artists and a graphic designer that help me bring my ideas to life. I want the artwork to feel authentic, local and created by artists, these are not AI generated graphics. My brand is personable, comfortable and easy to wear, and includes apparel, tote bags, water bottles, mugs, stickers, pins, hats and more.
Out West Design Co. is locally owned and operated, appeals to a large demographic, and has a laidback coastal vibe. I hope you enjoy!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I always loved playing store! Even though I grew up on a rural property, the idea of running a boutique or brand was always so appealing to me. I would turn my room or our living room into a tiny shop, with clothes hanging, a checkout area, and of course I would convince my family to shop and spend money in my tiny rural boutique:)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outwestdesigncosc.com
- Instagram: out_west_design_co
