Meet Crystal Hinds | Owner/Designer of Washco Apparel

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

Hi Crystal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to start up my own clothing line. Growing up, I would watch my grandmother sew all of her clothing and it truly inspired me. Although I did not have much experience in the fashion industry, I decided to take a leap of faith and dive in head first. Being a natural creative, I wanted to bring my ideas to life and make a stamp in this large competitive industry. I wanted to create a clothing line that was unique and on trend but yet different from what you saw in any ordinary store. I also knew when starting my business, I wanted to offer a wide variety of sizing in all of my designs. Washco Apparel offers sizes X-Small to 3XL and all are a true to size women’s fit, allowing women of all sizes to feel confident in their wardrobe. In January 2021, Washco Apparel was created and since we have grown our reach to 38 states and stores all across our home state in Texas!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Since its start in 2021, Washco Apparel has offered unique fashion pieces in sizes X-Small to 3XL. Our brand is known for vibrant prints, intricate embroidery detailing and high quality fabrics. As the designer of Washco Apparel, I knew going in that I wanted my brand to represent quality pieces that would last a lifetime. I also have a personal love for embroidery and decided to incorporate my hand drawn designs into embroidery statements on my clothing designs. Having a new embroidery pattern or bold print on my pieces, has definitely helped set me apart by being unique and creative. I am proud to see my creative artwork come to life in pieces that are worn by women across the world.

Coming into the fashion industry with no experience, I spent a lot of my time researching the essentials needed for starting up my own clothing line and how to make it successful. Although research can be very beneficial, nothing works better in finding your own business success than trial and error. With Washco Apparel we have experienced a lot in our 3 years of doing business, but it definitely has allowed us to get to where we are today. As a business owner, it is so important to try new things and learn what works versus what does not and adapting to those changes. Along the way, I have learned many things but the one that sticks out the most is that consistency is key to a successful business.

Washco Apparel’s mission statement is ‘Believe In Yourself and Faith, Dream Big and Inspire Others While Doing What You Love.’ On each of Washco Apparel’s clothing tags, you will find the words ‘Believe. Dream. Inspire’ and this is to help remind people across the world that dreams come true everyday and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Washco Apparel is my dream come true. As a small business and Texas based brand, when purchasing Washco Apparel, it truly means the world to me. One of my best accomplishments, is when I see a stranger wearing Washco Apparel or I receive a sweet customer review or message letting me know how much they enjoy their new tops. So thank you to everyone who has shown Washco Apparel love and support over the years because it truly is an inspiration to me and this company.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The amount of great things to do in Houston, Texas in unlimited but here are a few of my favorite things to do. I would kick off the mornings with my favorite breakfast places: The Breakfast Klub, Press Waffle Co and Snooze. For daily activities we would visit the Houston Zoo, The Houston Museum of Natural Science or go to Minute Maid Park for a Houston Astros baseball game (my husband and I are huge Astros fans). In the evening we would grab dinner from Taste of Texas or from one the many delicious seafood restaurants Houston has to offer, then head to a concert at House of Blues or sing our hearts out at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. There is never a dull moment in Houston, Texas!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my amazing husband and business partner, Joe. Washco Apparel would not be possible without his continued love and support he has given to me and our business over the years. He is always one step ahead and helps keep everything on track. I also would like to give recognition to our amazing families, they have been here for every step of the way and are always ready with helping hands.

Website: www.washcoapparel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/washcoapparel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Washco-Apparel-100039598846291/

Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/washcoapparel/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@washcoapparel