Davis and I started Doulos Designs in 2010 after a long stressful year. In January of 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 3 grade 3 breast cancer. Our world stopped for a short while after that diagnosis, with doctor’s appointments, surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, but it didn’t take us long to realize that we had a family to raise in addition to keeping up with my care. We had two beautiful girls then ages, 3 and 8, that needed us. We had a growing pile of medical bills to pay, and a family to support. To fulfill that need, Doulos Designs was born. Davis worked as an IT specialist in a school district, and was trained in graphic design. He had been doing art for various friends, families and church groups that we were connected. So we decided that we had a space, and small amount of money that I had set aside to make an investment. We took that money and bought a small 1 station 4-color screen printing press, and a single flash dryer. Our first shirts that we printed were for my first Race for the Cure in October 2010.
After that, we grew quickly out of our starter equipment purchased. We came across a great deal to buy a used Antec 8 station 8 color press, and conveyor dryer. With that we were able to continue growing our business and help get ahead of continuing costs of surgeries and treatment from cancer. Davis worked every evening after spending all day at his day job, printing for our family. I am thankful for his dedication to Doulos Designs, because it has been a great blessing to us.
We are now in 2020, and my health is good. I am officially a 10 year survivor. Doulos is growing like crazy, so we recently purchased a new Brown automatic press. We are so excited about the opportunities that this going to provide for us. Our oldest daughter Elaina is now 18 years old, and contributing to the business by helping out in the studio, and creating art of her own.
In the meanwhile, if you are in need of screen printing, embroidery, rhinestones or promotional items, we would love to help you out. We love to do work for schools, churches, non profit groups, teams and individuals. We promise to do our best for you.
Thanks so much,
Shanon Lanthripe