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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Sometimes a hobby grows into something more.

As requests from friends and family for custom vinyl products increased, Cheryl Riley and Stephanie Cleckler decided to go into business as This&That.

Riley said they had been selling their unique products out of their homes before securing a storage building.

“We worked there for close to a year, and then we just out grew it,” Riley said.

Cleckler said they had been doing custom vinyl products for about six months when they realized keeping up with requests would take more than just a few hours here and there.

“We started working three days a week,” Cleckler said.

“Now, we are six days a week,” Riley said.

The majority of their sales were in Clanton, so they secured a storefront on Highway 31 in June 2021. The team also added two employees, Bridget Connell and Allison Green.

Custom hats and T-shirts are the most popular items, with their subscription boxes being another popular item.

The T-shirts offered are a combination of original designs and designs purchased from Etsy. Riley said her husband is a graphic designer and lends his expertise to the designs. Green also draws some of the companies designs.

Riley said she enjoys coming up with new ideas to sell. She also handles the ordering.

Cleckler said she most enjoys putting together the subscription boxes.

They started offering the subscription boxes in August 2020 with 68 boxes being purchased the first month. The popularity of the boxes rose to the point that there were more than 600 subscription boxes begin sold each month. January and February are slower months for the boxes with around 350 being ordered. Riley said one of the biggest sellers is the peach box that they do each year. There are also specific boxes for children, birthdays, anniversaries and brides.

Each month, subscribers pick up their boxes at the Clanton location or at a Maplesville pick up only location.

Cleckler said each box includes a T-shirt and a variety of other items, such as home décor, car fresheners, candles, cups and flags.

Green said there are three sizes to choose from. The larger the box purchased, the more items that will be in it. On special occasions, an extra-large box is available.

A one-time option is available for those who want to try it out.

While it is mostly local customers, Riley said “there are a few that we ship to out of state.”

Those from out of state have connected with the company through its Facebook page, This&That Vinyl VIP.

Their Christian faith is important to the business owners. Riley said this guides them on deciding which custom design projects they take on, and inspirational items are included in the subscription boxes

This&That is located at 1912 Seventh Street N in Clanton and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Saturday following the 15th of each month from 9 a.m. to. 1 p.m.