Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Ann Cantú & Mike Schepper.
Jo Ann and Mike, please share your story with us.
Jo Ann: Saltgirl Clothing Company was created when we both realized the growing involvement of women in the saltwater market had little or no representation in fashion. We found that most saltwater sport apparel companies focused on men. Those clothing companies offer very few original designs and clothing options to women and their brands are often unisex tees and tanks. It reminded me very much of the struggles and lack of choice in clothing I had working in the maritime industry. I was not about to wear men’s clothes as I learned to fish or kayak. Saltgirl Clothing Company is strictly for women and will only sell woman cut clothing with women influenced designs and color choices. We also offer “realistic” sizes ranging from S to 3XL (where available).
Mike: As a small company, we value integrity, honesty, and loyalty to lady anglers, kite boarders, surfers, SUP girls, merchant mariner Saltgirls and any woman that lives the coastal life. Saltgirl supports women with breast cancer, clean oceans and beaches through fishing tournaments, and other outdoor charitable events. We respect marine life, coastal life and sponsor several young girls and women who are active in saltwater sports. We hope you enjoy our clothing and that you continue to live the Saltgirl life!
Please tell us about Saltgirl Clothing Company.
Jo Ann spent over 25 years as a US Merchant Marine navigating large cargo vessels all over the world. Working in the male dominated shipping industry, she found shopping for clothes very difficult. There were never any ladies sizes, styles or designs in the shipboard coveralls or safety clothes she was required to wear aboard ship.
She gained her love for the ocean as a young child of 4 years old. Her mother took her to a marine mammal exhibit and from that early age, she was fascinated with the world’s oceans and the majestic marine mammals. Her overall goal as a child was to see all the whales she could in their natural environment. She has traveled the world, navigated the major oceans and reached her childhood goal of seeing whales in all the major bodies of water. After retiring from the US Merchant Marines in 2011, she returned home to her Texas roots. She has a passion for the Saltgirl lifestyle.
Mike is the silent partner for Saltgirl Clothing Company. He is the genius that created our original logo and some of our vintage designs. It was his love for the Texas Coastal Bend and saltwater fishing that made him leave the mountains of Utah and move to Texas. His unique, colorful and fun designs are a part of the vintage Saltgirl fashion.
When he is not creating original Saltgirl designs, you can find him offshore in his 30 ft. Scarab or remodeling his new home in Surfside, TX.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting your own company is never a smooth road. Most people look at us and think we are larger than we are and don’t realize that the company is run from a house in the Houston Heights. Printing, building inventory and brand recognition has been the biggest challenge. We constantly have to learn how to keep up with social media, marketing and events. It has been extremely stressful and rewarding at the same time. We have had lots of support from our followers and from other small business owners. The Boat Yard in Kemah sells high quality recreational boats and was the first store in Houston to carry our merchandise. We have received a lot of help with the ins and outs of social media from none other than @dsfapparel_dsf. We are appreciative of all the help received.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Saltgirl Clothing Company – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Jo Ann: Most proud of? Speaking for myself, I am always amazed at my reaction when I see the beautiful photos fans are taking and sending our way. They are all deeply treasured and appreciated. To see something that Mike or I have designed and to know the history behind it – me sitting in front of the computer with my dog barking at my feet or Mike nagging me to stop looking over his shoulder as I try to see what genius he’s drawing up – to go from that initial point of origin to the final outcome in a fan’s photo is unexplainable. There are simply no words to show my gratitude, my amazement and my appreciation.
Mike: We specialize in clothing for the active coastal woman. We offer completely unique designs and aggressive branding whereas others just put their logo on a shirt and think it will sell. I think the logo itself is the most significant. Our logo is made up of 7 different fonts and redesigned from there. We get a lot of compliments on the logo and designs. We constantly get positive feedback from ladies in all sections of the coastal life that they finally feel they have a choice of colors and styles to wear instead of simply wearing the standard unisex t shirt built for a man.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Jo Ann: First thing that comes to mind on what we could do without in Houston would be the traffic (but I’m sure that is no surprise). Prior to Houston, I lived in Honolulu, Hawaii and Mike was in the beautiful mountains of Provo, Utah. Let me tell you, it was a huge adjustment for each of us! But on the flip side, dodging traffic has allowed us both to discover smaller neighborhoods and side streets we never would have otherwise. The Houston Heights neighborhood and EADO sections have beautiful homes and trees. Downtown is colored with murals that really express the local color and flavor of the city.
Mike: Houston has a large demographic and diversity, but we found a lot of them enjoy one thing in common, the coastal life. There are lots of waterways to explore in the Clear Lake area and down in Texas City. I love taking my boat offshore and navigate on down the Houston Ship Channel for an afternoon boat ride.
Pricing:
- Tee’s $21-25
- Legging- $40-45
- hooded sweaters- $35-45
- Hats- $20
Contact Info:
- Address:448 W. 19th #503
Houston, TX 77008 - Website:saltgirlclothing.com
- Phone:832-845-1836
- Email:[email protected]
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/saltgirlclothing/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/saltgirlclothing/
Image Credit:
Surfer Maddie Franz (sponsored by Saltgirl Clothing),
Laura Thompson- Saltgirl Selfie,
Rosemaniah of Team Informa, Singapore SUP
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
