Junior Lily Klein creates custom

KLEIN CREATES

Junior Lily Klein builds online clothing business selling customizable pieces to combat boredom of quarantine

ABBEY CARRICO some of the influencers, she sent her custom pieces out features staff for them to promote to their respective fans. This media attention has acted as her single biggest advert, attracting

An Instagram notification brightens up junior more followers to all of her platforms. However, Klein’s Lily Klein’s phone with yet another request for a increase in new customers is not solely due to influencer sweatshirt inspired by one of her Instagram posts. or celebrity recognition — it’s her prices. After she figures out the different elements for her client, “I would describe my business as unique,” Klein said. Klein orders the necessary materials and creates the “Unlike a lot of other small businesses right now, [my unique item. business] is very personal to my style and price, which I

During her COVID-19 isolation, Klein decided to think is different from a lot of people.” start her own business, Customz By Lil, where she makes Klein must differentiate from herself from other brands clothing items for whatever concept each of her customers to compete in the customizable clothing economy. Klein desire. Run mainly through Instagram, she can reach a has stolen many Ladue students and potentially consumers large community of possible clientele and showcase her away from more well-known brands like Splash or Gucci. various designs. “I would totally recommend going to Lily’s business

“All you have to do is look on my Instagram and because if you go to places like Splash, Lily can make

everything is customizable,” Klein said. “ something for half the price that they “I do everything over direct message, are selling it for,” sophomore Jessica so you can send me the post of what Sachs said. “It’s so nice to have someone you want, but have it say ‘Michigan’ instead of ‘Indiana’ or ‘Can I have this on a green sweatshirt instead of a red At first, I made stuff for my friends and family within your school that can make really cool stuff; it’s cute and really good quality too.” sweatshirt?’ I talk with the customer, members, and then it Many of Klein’s clients have been [making] sure I know exactly what they just grew as the summer pleased with their experience, including want.” Early this summer, Klein observed her favorite creators on the popular went on and into the school year. senior Grace Christie, who vouches for the ease of purchasing an item from Customz By Lil as well as the social media app, TikTok, bleach and LILY KLEIN | junior scope of the possibilities for designing tie-dye items of clothing. This inspired personalized items. After sending a her to create a couple of customized picture of the tie-dye Off-White shorts tank tops and shirts for herself. Klein she wanted to purchase, Christie waited recognized the possibilities and began to branch out, roughly a week and a half for her order to arrive. eventually reaching the social media audience she has “I would [recommend Customz By Lil] because you can today. Throughout the year, Klein’s business has continued make it however you want to, you can customize things in to prosper. any way possible and get it for a friend, a gift or anything

“I decided in June once all my summer plans got like that,” Christie said. canceled,” Klein said. “I needed something to do and the Despite the sales and positive feedback, balancing reason I started wasn’t necessarily for the money, it was her business with extracurriculars proves a challenge for just because I was bored and it gave me something to do. Klein, but she’s glad she stays busy by creating custom At first, I made stuff for my friends and family members, items for interested individuals. Though Klein doesn’t and then it just grew as the summer went on and into know what to expect for the future of Customz By Lil, she the school year.” hopes to make more items for clients, create new designs Recently, Klein has reached out to some and continue to watch her business grow. influencers from the television shows “It’s cool to see people customizing certain things, and “Big Brother” and “Love Island it’s a really fun concept. I can make things for all different USA” about her up-and-coming sorts of people and their likings, I can do any design,” business. After receiving Klein said. “What I think is really cool about it is that it’s several responses from so universal.” p

LEFT: Junior Lily Klein showcases her Off-White sweatshorts in blue tie dye. Each design Klein creates is unique, so she can keep creating items for customers as long as she keeps an open mind. “Hopefully I keep making things for people and coming up with new ideas,” Klein said. “I know it’s cliche, but the possibilities are endless.” RIGHT: Klein models her Gucci tennis design on a navy crewneck. Customers have creative freedom on Instagram to request any design they wish for clothing items. “They send me the post of the item they are talking about,” Klein said. “Then we figure out sizing, colors and all of that.” BOTTOM: Klein holds up two of her neon keychains. Along with her custom clothing, Klein started making personalized keychains for clients. “They’re pretty affordable,” Klein said. “I know [that] in high school, a lot of us are driving, [so] it’s fun and you can just add it on.” (Photos by Ginger Schulte) 11.20.20 09