Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Pringle.
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, glad to chat with you today. My name is Courtney Pringle, and I am the owner of Flawless Custom Designz LLC. We are a family-owned print and marketing company with 9 years of experience. Our journey is quite interesting, as it started unexpectedly and evolved into a full-service print shop.
Initially, I had no intention of opening a print shop. I had a strong educational background, with three degrees to my name, but I still felt unfulfilled. What I desired most was the freedom to work and provide for my children’s needs while also being present in their lives.
Upon moving back to Houston from California, I found myself working part-time jobs, including one at Child Protective Services, to maintain a certain standard of living. It was during this time that my daughter joined a select softball team, which brought about new expenses. Although it was financially challenging, I couldn’t deny my daughter the opportunity to play the sport she loved. However, as a newcomer to the team, I didn’t have any team gear to wear for the upcoming games, and buying them seemed costly.
One day, while at practice, I turned to Facebook for help and asked if anyone knew a place where I could get custom t-shirts made for the game. Someone responded and offered to make a sample shirt. I agreed, paying $20 plus shipping to ensure it arrived before Saturday’s game. However, when the package arrived, it turned out to be a toddler-sized shirt instead of an adult size. I was frustrated and reached out to the person, only to be told that I had ordered a sample shirt. I was never informed that it would be a toddler size. I was left without a shirt and out of money.
Determined to find a solution, I continued my search for someone who could make me a shirt. At the next practice, I approached a parent wearing a rhinestone shirt and asked where she got it. She explained that she had her own t-shirt business and could create a similar one for me. Excited by the prospect, I agreed to bring her a shirt for customization by the following week. Unfortunately, that endeavor also ended in disappointment. Despite waiting for a month and repeatedly asking for updates, I still had no shirt.
Frustrated with the situation, I realized I needed to take matters into my own hands. I decided to make the shirt myself. I hadn’t fully considered this idea before, but I began researching extensively on YouTube and Google. Surprisingly, starting a t-shirt printing business didn’t require much equipment back in 2014, as it wasn’t as popular as it is today.
Driven by my responsibilities as a single parent and my job at Child Protective Services, I approached my mom for help. Fortunately, she agreed to support me. I was expecting her to suggest an alternative solution, but she didn’t. She simply asked about the cost and if I was certain about starting a shirt-making venture. I assured her of my determination, though initially, I planned to create shirts solely for our family’s use.
That weekend, I eagerly visited my parents’ house to share my excitement. I showed my mom the $499 bundle I had been eyeing for weeks. Without hesitation, she pulled out her card and encouraged me to go ahead and purchase it, with the condition that I could return it if I couldn’t figure out how to use it. Looking back, I find it amusing because, truth be told, I had no clue how to operate it. I had merely watched videos and thought it looked easy. I placed the order for the bundle, which included sample vinyl, shirts, a cutter, a heat press, and software. Little did I know how much that bundle would change my life.
While working my days at CPS, my nights were consumed by watching instructional videos on making shirts and following along diligently. I would imagine having the cutter in front of me, mentally going through the design, print, and cut steps until I had them memorized. It was as if I had become obsessed with learning. I even managed to grasp the basics of Corel Draw, a program known for its complexity, which surprisingly came naturally to me.
When the vinyl cutter finally arrived, I immersed myself in practice, experimenting with different designs, pressure settings, temperatures, and pressing durations. I would start from scratch whenever something didn’t work, determined to master the craft. There were countless nights spent meticulously cutting rhinestone templates and painstakingly placing rhinestones into them—an incredibly challenging task. I encountered numerous failed attempts before finally getting it right. I owe a shout-out to my early supporters, my classmates, for their unwavering encouragement during this period. I vividly remember making a 2Pac shirt that I thought was perfect, only to be met with disappointment from my boyfriend at the time. His blunt comment, “You can do better,” stung, but thankfully, I’m not easily discouraged.
After weeks of dedicated practice, I felt ready to create my first team shirts. Although I had obtained a shirt from the team parent, seeing what I could do made me realize that I could surpass that standard. Clueless about where to acquire shirts, I turned to Walmart. I picked up purple shirts for the whole family and embarked on my project. I printed out the TL logo, added a second color with vinyl, used my cutter to create the lettering for “Team Jazz” along with the number 2, and pressed everything onto the shirts. The outcome was nothing short of amazing. I was immediately hooked. When I showed my daughter, even she was genuinely impressed. At the game that weekend, our entire family proudly donned purple shirts with “Team Jazz” emblazoned on the back. Don’t just take my word for it; you can ask them yourself.
Interestingly, the parent who initially made my bling shirt noticed my creation and couldn’t help but inquire about where I had obtained it. Naturally, I proudly shared that I had made it myself. The incredulous look on her face, in hindsight, was quite comical. In just a little over a month, I had achieved something to be proud of with my humble creation. You see, if there’s something I can do myself, I will take it upon myself to accomplish it. And if I can’t, I’ll find a way to get it done, regardless of the cost or the time it takes me.
I began receiving positive feedback on my shirts, which led me to think that I could simply make a few shirts here and there during my time off and earn some extra cash to support my daughter’s travel softball team expenses. However, it quickly evolved into something more significant. Occasionally, the team would need jerseys for new or pick-up players, and the coach would approach me to see if I could handle the task. My response was always an enthusiastic “Sure, I can!” Even if I had never done it before, I firmly believe in trying before declaring something impossible. That’s a lesson I consistently instill in my children, and it’s a mantra that drives me. I will attempt something repeatedly until I achieve perfection because failure is never an option, and that mindset has carried me forward to this day.
The jersey I created turned out exceptionally well, giving me the confidence to explore different techniques and showcase my capabilities. I even experimented with glow-in-the-dark shirts, which caught the attention of a parent from another team who expressed interest in placing an order. However, I wasn’t prepared for a real order. I didn’t have business cards or any professional materials on hand. Instead, I shared my contact number with the interested party, assuring her that we could work things out over a call. Throughout the weekend, I delved into extensive research on bulk t-shirt purchases, wholesale options, discounted shirts, and more. I remembered stumbling upon a t-shirt store called Aviva on Harwin Avenue while searching for rhinestones. I approached one of the employees there, inquiring about shirts, prices, and gathering as much information as possible. The owner graciously provided me with his contact details, marking the beginning of a network of connections.
Through this process, I not only acquired the shirts needed for the initial order, but I also forged valuable business relationships. The relationships I cultivated in the early stages played a crucial role in shaping my present-day success. I established connections with some of the most accomplished print companies in Houston. That single team order, combined with my commitment to exceptional customer service, helped me establish my business. I expanded beyond softball uniforms, catering to various team sports, family reunions, school shirts, vacation shirts, and much more. I was working relentlessly on t-shirts, to the point where sleep became a luxury I often had to sacrifice. Balancing my responsibilities at CPS, taking Jazz to practice, and attending weekend games pushed me to my limits.
After about a year of dedicated work on t-shirts, exhaustion began to set in. My caseload at CPS was growing, and so were my orders. Within 18 months since starting the t-shirt venture, I found myself earning more from my business than from my CPS paychecks—a realization that astonished me. Working from home, I had established a makeshift office equipped with a cutter, heat press, and computer. That space became my laboratory, where I could spend endless hours without feeling fatigued.
My caseload at CPS was becoming increasingly stressful, and I found myself longing to spend my days immersed in designing and honing my craft. The environment at work had lost its appeal, and I grew tired of dealing with my CPS Program Manager. The demanding hours and inadequate pay added to my frustration. It was during a particular case where my beliefs clashed with those of my program director that I realized this could be my opportunity for an exit plan. Seeking guidance, I reached out to senior caseworkers and even my supervisor. The advice I received left me torn between following the Program Manager’s approach or sticking to my own principles. Although I needed the job, preserving my sanity became a priority.
In this moment of uncertainty, I turned to my mom once again and explained the situation. I expressed my inability to conform to the expectations placed on me and my realization that this job wasn’t the right fit for me. I asked her if she would help me if I quit and pursued something else. Thankfully, my mom assured me of her support, and from that day forward, I dedicated myself to printing shirts full-time in 2015, with the invaluable assistance of my boyfriend (now fiancé), sister, and mother.
A significant breakthrough came when I landed my first major opportunity: creating over 200 North Shore High School Playoff Shirts in 2015. Together with my family’s help, I spent days cutting and weeding shirts. People started calling and visiting my house at all hours, requesting special designs, personalized names, and numbers. It was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but wonder what I had gotten myself into. After days of non-stop shirt production, exhaustion set in, and I reached a breaking point when a friend came over and found me in tears. I will forever be grateful to Delecia for her comforting presence and support during that challenging moment. It’s crucial to have amazing friends, and I am fortunate to have the best. I felt frustrated because I knew there had to be a better way to handle the workload, and I was determined never to find myself in that overwhelming position again. And I didn’t. Since 2015, I have consistently produced playoff shirts every year. In fact, when I took a year off, I still had to make shirts for my loyal customers who had come to rely on me.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how truly blessed I am. I’ve had the opportunity to meet countless people and work for many clients. I can’t pinpoint exactly when the shift occurred, but I’m incredibly grateful for the increased support of black-owned businesses. This shift opened doors that I never could have imagined. One important lesson I’ve learned is that people are willing to support you, even when you doubt the value of your own work.
There was a memorable moment when I was asked to print shirts for J Prince Day in Houston. Rhonda Prince, known for her strong organizational skills, held me accountable while simultaneously making me feel like I could conquer the world. Despite my initial uncertainty, I assured her that we would get the job done, and we did. Little did I know the tremendous effort and behind-the-scenes work that would be involved. It was a humbling experience, and I will forever appreciate them taking a chance on a small business like ours. Moreover, I had no idea that I would still be printing shirts for them to this day.
Shortly after that event, I received a call from The Savy Consultant, a Houston event planner. They were looking for a new company to print merchandise bags for Travis Scott’s new Space City store, and they needed them urgently. I won’t sugarcoat it—I had never done that type of printing before. However, being the person I am, I welcomed the challenge with excitement and determination. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the significance of the opportunity. We had just three days to print around 1000 bags for the store. I had no clue where to start, but as I mentioned earlier, I don’t say no to anyone. (Laughs) We managed to get those bags printed and delivered right before the store’s opening. The pressure to deliver had never been so intense. We must have done a good job because we continued printing bags for them until 2021.
In addition to these experiences, we also had the privilege of printing shirts for the Maleah Davis and George Floyd families. Initially, we didn’t know who the shirts were for. My partner and I simply answered the call and did what we do best: design and print a shirt that we could be proud of and that the family would cherish. It’s incredible to think about where our products end up being worn. My focus is always on ensuring that we create something meaningful for each occasion. Bragging has never been my style; I prefer working behind the scenes, quietly striving to do my best.
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?
Being in the printing business has its challenges, and I’ve personally faced numerous struggles along the way. Mentally, I’ve dealt with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to achieve more while feeling stuck in the same place. It’s difficult when you see others in the same industry succeeding, and you can’t help but wonder why. However, I’ve had to remind myself that my journey is unique, and my time for success will come. Developing a strong mindset is crucial because the income in this business can fluctuate greatly, with months of high earnings followed by months of financial uncertainty. Managing a shop with all its overhead expenses requires a lot of effort and dedication.
The past few years have been particularly challenging, especially with the impact of Covid-19. It drained me not just financially, but also emotionally and physically. I experienced significant losses, including my home and car. I had to rely on the support of my family, borrowing money and living with them. In the midst of all this, I was so focused on making money to support my daughter’s college education that I almost neglected my son’s needs. His premature birth at 31 weeks through an emergency C-section was a wake-up call for me. I ignored the signs that I needed rest and a break because I felt like I had no other choice. Being an entrepreneur with children is incredibly tough, especially when you don’t have a 401k or retirement fund to fall back on. I used to joke that I laughed to keep from crying, but it was a serious reality. I took on odd jobs, worked as a substitute, mentored, and even worked at daycares—anything to pay the bills and keep the shop running. Many people never knew the extent of my struggles until now. My friends, and even most of my customers, were unaware. There were countless moments when I wanted to give up, but when I looked at my kids, I was reminded that failure was not an option.
Interestingly, even during my lowest points as a parent, a business owner, and an individual, something positive would happen. Despite all the challenges surrounding me, people still recognized my greatness. This recognition led to an opportunity to partner with Aviva Wholesale as one of their go-to experts, and now I’m the one creating training videos—a role I never imagined I would have. It has taught me a lot about my own capabilities and the fact that people have been observing my progress. My story is worth sharing, and my nine-year journey has been filled with both ups and downs. I’ve learned a great deal about the printing business and about myself.
Financial struggles and taxes were also significant challenges. No one sits down with you and explains what you need to do or how to organize your accounts. I had to seek help from tax preparers, CPAs, and bookkeeping professionals. Additionally, I had no idea that I could have funded my business using other people’s money, and as a result, I accumulated unnecessary debt. I would strongly advise anyone considering starting a business to seek guidance and advice before diving in. The lessons I learned during Covid-19 emphasized the importance of having a financial cushion, as well as effective time management. Understanding the time required for design work and order completion is essential for pricing purposes. Pricing itself was something I had to learn through trial and error, factoring in material costs and other expenses. Finally, I discovered that hiring others to handle tasks I couldn’t do saved me both time and money.
By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, I believe I can continue to improve and overcome obstacles as I move forward in the printing business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Flawless Custom Designz was founded in 2014 after realizing the frustration of waiting for others to create designs. The name was inspired by Beyonce’s song “Flawless,” and it stuck due to the mindset of striving for perfection. As the owner and lead graphic designer, I help customers create custom designs using various software programs and printing techniques. Whether it’s for t-shirts, banners, cups, business cards, or other items, I work with clients to bring their visions to life. From discussing design elements like colors, graphics, and text to finalizing the design and printing it on the desired item, Flawless Custom Designz offers a unique service that combines creative design skills with technical expertise in printing technology. Although I did attempt to rebrand, I ultimately decided to keep the original name due to its significance and recognition. Flawless Custom Designz with a “Z” not an “S” offers a memorable name that reflects my commitment to producing flawless results.
At Flawless Custom Designz, we make it easy for you to elevate your brand with high-quality printing and marketing services all in one place. What sets us apart is that we do it all in one location. No need to find someone to build a website for you or print you a banner. We do that. We make it easy for you to do what you do without having to worry about going to multiple places to get service. We also free consultations, providing great customer service during the entire process of the project. With over 10 years of experience in the printing and marketing industry and numerous awards for our exceptional service, we have the knowledge and expertise to take your brand to the next level.
You can shop with us at
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
As a naturally shy person, it can be challenging to build a business, but it’s possible with the right mindset and support. Investing in a coach or therapist can help you overcome your shyness and build confidence in networking and promoting your business. Additionally, I offer T-shirt business start-up coaching and website-building services to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. Networking is also crucial to building your business, and social media is a great way to start. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out amongst the competition. That’s why I recommend finding a mentor who has done what you’re doing or still doing it. They can offer valuable advice and information that can help you avoid common mistakes and succeed. In summary, investing in coaching, networking, and finding a mentor are essential to building a successful business. With the right support, you can overcome your shyness and achieve your goals.
Pricing:
- T-shirts Start at $20
- Websites Start at $299
- Business Coaching Starts at $500
- Consultation Start at $50
- T Shirt Business in a Box Start at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: flawlesscustomdesigns.com
- Instagram: @flawlesscustomdesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/flawlesscustomdesignz
