Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Crawford.
Hi Dee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My small business adventure started almost 10 years ago when I started making custom coasters for Christmas gifts. I took a break from my Etsy shop, started a family, and began working at an RIA Firm in Clayton, Missouri. When the pandemic hit, I felt like I was in a dark space – like many others. I leaned into my creativity, taught myself Sublimation, and started making T-shirts. Do Me a Favor has grown into something I’m so proud of these last 2 years. I quit my full-time job last week to put 100% of my focus into Do Me a Favor and my family. Something I was not able to do while juggling a full-time job. I enjoy investing in my customers, getting to know them, and being vulnerable with them on my social media. I’ve gained their trust and loyalty and am proud of that. It’s been a slow climb to where I am today, and I can’t wait to see where I am 2 more years from now!
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have a bit more off than I could chew at times. It’s tough to say ‘no’ in this business. Saying no could turn away a possible partnership deal in the future. It could mean a bad review or referral, so I would say YES more often than I should have. This led to working late nights and missing quality time with my kids and husband because I had to get what I promised someone. I’m excited to be able to devote more time during the day to Do Me a Favor so that I can spend more time with those close to me!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Do Me a Favor STL focuses on trending designs for graphic apparel and favors. Most of my products are made with sublimation which is tattooing your design onto something (T-shirt, sweatshirt, coffee mug, can coolies, hats, etc.), which gives it a smooth, seamless, and permanent finish! What I love most about sublimation is how custom you can get with the colors and patterns. I am a big fan of leopard print, and the possibilities are endless when it comes down to it. While I cater to Saint Louis designs often, I want to be known for something other than those designs. What I love most is taking someone’s idea for a custom design and making it come to life for them! Custom designs are more work, but they are so rewarding. And I love a good challenge. I have a very active Instagram, a somewhat active TikTok, an Etsy shop, and a website! Follow me on Instagram first, and all the other links are there.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My friends have been my biggest cheerleaders! Old friends and new friends! Customers have become friends, I’ve met other small business owners who have become friends, and I’m part of a great community of moms I’ve met on Instagram that I adore. I had a video go viral on TikTok at the beginning of 2023, and I had a different friend over each day to help with packing orders, pressing sweatshirts, and organizing piles and piles of sizes – they are the best!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.domeafavorstl.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/domeafavorstl
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/domeafavorstl
