Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Allen.
Hi Tami, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always wanted to make tshirts. I grew up traveling and always hit the souvenirs shops where you pick the transfer off the wall and make your very own cool tshirt. So, I found a cheap cutter and started playing. Around 2012 I bought a towel that said, Get your fat pants ready. I loved it and showed my hubby. He said why did you buy that. I thought what and was about to yell at him when he said you could make it. Boom! Sassy Towels was born. I started pressing vinyl on cotton towels and selling them on the side. Then My journey took a pretty crazy twist in an unexpected way: in May 2015, I was diagnosed with stage 4 matastatic cancer.
That diagnosis was a turning point — it made me realize how precious life really is and how short it can be. Instead of stepping back, I leaned into what I loved most: creating. I bought commercial-grade printing equipment, committed myself fully, and launched into designing towels, mugs, and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Trying to build a brand is probably one of the hardest along with trying to stay relevant. When I first started doing towels no one else was pressing them. With in three years everyone had a cricuit and was joining in. The only thing that made be different was I always designed my own towels. I never bought my designs. When shows started carrying tons of vendors with vinyl towels I ended up teaching myself a new technique called sublimation back in 2018 so I could break away from everyone doing vinyl.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I design every one of my towels, mugs coasters and dice cups. I purchase commerical art from around the world and find sayings that fit perfectly with the artwork. You will not find anyone with the same designs. Phrases yes.
I love getting random text from total stangers sending me sayings. The funny thing is I’ve been designing towels for so long it is rare I cant finish a phrase when some one starts telling me a saying.
Every one that meets me knows me as Sassy. For years one of the store owners I sold out of didn’t even remember my real name.
I guess im proud that im still making towels after 14 years and I still love it. Im happy to nerd out about towels and why mine are the best!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You need to keep creating and finding new ways to keep people coming back. Also balancing treatments, work and shows. Some days I dont have it in me and I realized that is ok!
I was told my cancer usually only has a 14 month life span. Its been 10 years. Printing, designing is my true therapy. I love what I do!
Pricing:
- $12 to $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sassysotagirl.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sassysotagirl/
- Other: https://pin.it/7mJu157qJ
