Local Spotlight: Gretta's Specialtees

[Gretta Barton of Gretta's Specialtees with Erin Abagnale of House of Sage, at a local fashion event at Shine]

Recently I got the opportunity to meet Gretta Barton, local Chuck-town t-shirt designer/entrepreneur responsible for Gretta's Specialtees. I fell in love with her collection of local inspired t-shirts, so I decided to interview her for The Fashionista Forum.

Her cute "local tees" have been spotted around town, worn by anyone from college kids to well... their parents! Gretta's Specialtees currently include t-shirts that represent the following areas: Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach, West Ashley, and North Charleston. I actually own a couple of these myself. I love the soft fabric and the vintage style. I have worn mine dressed down, with skinny jeans, a cardigan and flats...or funked up with a boyfriend blazer, cuffed shorts, boots and tights. Definitely pick up a few for yourself (they only retail for about $26!), but don't leave out your friends and fam...these will make great gifts for the holidays!!

FF: Tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are from.
GB: I am from Pittsburgh, Pa. I have 2 brothers, a sister, and a brother-in-law all that live in Pittsburgh. I love spending outside, reading and listening to great music. I grew up with a creative mother who had her own jewelry company. My mother always pushed us to use our creative outlets. I was classically trained on the violin for 7 years, unfortunately, I don't play much anymore. I think it's important to be involved in your community. I volunteer at the Children's Hospital and I am on the Cystic Fibrosis board.

FF: Where did you go to school?
GB: I went to the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH

FF: What brought you to Chuck-town?
GB: My sister lived here when I got out of college and I was ready for some warmer weather! I have been here for about 4 years. FF: What made you want to start designing tees? How did the idea come about?
GB: I was home last Christmas and was brainstorming with my mom about something I could bring to Charleston. Something that would be my own and something that no one has done before. Since tourism and college students are what seems to consume this town I decided they should be my target market. It was important for me to design something that I would wear...everyone loves a good tee!!

FF: Do you make the tees yourself or do you send them off to be printed?
GB: I create the design and then send them off to be printed locally.

FF: Any details about the tees (organic fabric/dye)?
GB: The shirts are made from organic and recycled materials. The dye, however, is not organic. I would like to have organic print at some point, but right now it isn't in my budget.

FF: Do you have any new designs/ideas up your sleeve? Maybe a James Island or Summerville tee in the near future?
GB: I have some designs on my computer and in my head that I hope to get on shirts soon.

FF: Website or Facebook page?
GB: I do have a Facebook page and I hope to get a website up soon.

FF: Is t-shirt designing your full-time job or do you have another occupation?
GB: When I got let go from work a couple of months ago I made the shirts my number one priority. I do little jobs here and there to help out.

FF: Where can you be found on a typical Sunday afternoon?
GB: At Kudu coffee with my dog Indie.

FF: Where can we buy your tees?
GB: Currently, they are at House of Sage in downtown Charleston, at II Brunettes in Mt. Pleasant, and at Alchemy Coffee in West Ashley.

FF: Is there anything else that you want people to know about why your tees, why they are special to you?
GB: I wanted to give something to our community that people to share as a gift or just to show love for their neighborhood.

Thanks Gretta!