Meet Rachel Crosby | T Shirt Company Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Crosby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process in starting my business had a lot to do with my history. In 2016 I was in a horrific car accident that left me permanently disabled. I had broken over 20 bones in my body, and was blessed to be alive. Then I realized I could no longer do my previous jobs. My amazing Mother in Law gave me a vinyl cutter in August of 2021. I started by making shirts for my family of 5. Then my extended family saw my shirts and asked me to make them shirts. By Christmas I was so busy I realized that this was becoming an actual business. This is a business i can do with my feet elevated for 95% of the day. I was finally able to contribute to our family’s income.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make sure to offer as many options for people with different- abilities. Some people (like myself who struggle with PTSD and Anxiety need a V-Neck or Scoop neck line. Some people with sensory processing disorders need to have moisture wicking, tag-less, or extremely soft shirts. have made shirts for different types of warriors: Breast Cancer, Dementia, Autism, Wheel Chair and Mobility chair users, Asthma and so many more. Just because we have a different-ability doesn’t mean we don’t have a sense of humor about it. I am veteran friendly. As a daughter of a Vietnam Marine, Sister of a Navy Airman, Granddaughter of a Korean War Soldier, I make several veteran themed and friendly shirts. Every Veteran shirt I make is an honor. It has taken a lot of trial and error to figure out the best way to make shirts for everyone. To be completely inclusive. It cost me money and profit margins. I have tried to stay as debt free, and not take money from our household income as much as possible. I have grown this business very slowly. If I was willing to put family money into my business I would have been able to grow much faster, buy things faster. Upgrage my machines faster.
I have and always will put my family and children over my business. If that means I turn down Events, to throw a birthday party or just stay home together on a Saturday.
I want people to know that I dont just say I am disability friendly, but that I am actually a disabled woman who knows and tries her hardest to help all disabilities. I strive to be as inclusive as possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For lunch I would take my bestie to Mojo’s in Burleson. We would each get a half order of brisket nachos, or share a whole order. I would then take her to see the cattle drive in the stockyards. Id also make her get on top of a longhorn just for a picture. For dinner we would go get steaks at Fresco’s. Then we would drive out to get breakfast burritos at Monteys. They have the best you can buy. We would have lunch at Boo-Rays for some amazing Cajun. Then I’d take her to Chewys for their stacked enchiladas. While i was born in Cleburne, I grew up in New Mexico where stacked enchiladas are the way to go. The next day we could go to Mainstay farms for whatever season she visits. Then end the day at Coyote Drive In for whatever movie is showing. I grew up going to Drive Ins, but most of my friends havent ever been to one.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I can shoutout for helping me with my business. Gena- she was my boss as a work study student in college, and taught me so much. Then she had to leave the regular workforce like myself and had her own T-shirt making business. She is always an encouragement.
My Nana- She is where I get my talent for crafting. She recently passed away, but she was one of my biggest supporters.
My husband, Michael- He was there for everything during my accident. He has been one of my rocks. He puts up with me, encourages me and loves me.
My Dad- He passed away in 2020 from complications of Agent Orange Poisoning. He stood beside me during my recovery from my accident, always thought I could do more than I did.
My Mother in Law, Marcia- Again, she was there for me through my accident. Her and my father in law moved from GA to TX after my accident. They have never treated me like an In Law, only treated me like their daughter. She gave me my first vinyl cutter, ordered the first batch of Christmas Ornaments I made, and helps me get so many T-Shirt orders.
My children, Abby, Benji, and Chloe- They are my biggest hype people and keep me going. They have my whole heart.
My Mom- She taught me I can do anything I put my mind too even though I have a disability.

Website: https://crosbycuteness.wixsite.com/home

Facebook: www.facebook.com/crosbycuteness

Image Credits
Natalie Whisenant- Diane & Dean Photography