Curly Top Customs | Fashion Boutiques
Wendy Money never thought the foam vacation hats she made “just for fun” would spark a new career path, but that’s exactly how Curly Top Customs came to life.
“I had so much fun making them and felt a huge rush from all the compliments and satisfaction of seeing something I created come to life,” she said. “I felt a sense of pride from seeing something I did bring so many smiles to peoples’ faces.”
After spending more than 27 years in the financial services industry, she leapt into the world of custom apparel and personalized gifts, officially launching her business in July 2024. Less than a year later, Curly Top Customs is becoming a local favorite for unique, made-to-order designs.
“I’ve always loved fan gear,” Wendy said. “When my kids were in school and playing sports, I was always excited to buy their team apparel. So, when I started creating my own designs, it just made sense to expand my services.”
A Topeka native, Wendy briefly lived in Oklahoma before returning in 1996. Her decision to open a business here was influenced by her love for the local community. Over the years, she’s witnessed the strength of local businesses supporting one another and wanted to be a part of it by sharing her passion for design.
“I designed our cheerleading posters, hair bows and water jugs in high school,” she said. “It was always so much fun, which then turned into designing shirts for a company I worked for back in the mid-1990s. I’ve always had a bit of a creative bug. I research the current trends to see what is the new ‘it’ thing, too.”
Curly Top Customs specializes in custom apparel, hats, aprons and laser-engraved stainless-steel cups and leather items. Wendy’s approach to custom design focuses on understanding her customers’ needs and preferences. Whether it’s a new team logo or a custom family design, she says she listens carefully to their ideas so that each product reflects their vision.
As far as how Wendy chose the name “Curly Top,” it was a spontaneous realization.
“I spent one whole weekend thinking of a great business name,” she said. “Nothing fit, until I looked in the mirror and saw my curly hair. That was it!”
Wendy says her personalized service is part of what sets Curly Top Customs apart. She’s committed to dreaming up designs that exceed expectations.
“I get an idea of what the customer has in mind. If it’s a sports team, I ask them to send me some ideas they’ve seen to help me get a good base,” she said. “I then get to work, designing what I think is their goal. If it’s not what they want, I tweak images, shapes and colors until it’s perfect.”
Her creative process doesn’t end at the designs. Wendy enjoys exploring different materials and techniques, from embroidery to laser engraving. Customizing leather goods and stainless-steel cups adds a special, made-just-for-you touch to her products, she says. She even offers a service where customers can create their own team stores online, selecting from a range of customizable products.
One of the projects she’s proudest of is a memorial order she handled for a customer who lost her father.
“She brought in his flannel shirts and wanted to incorporate them into a crewneck for herself and her daughter,” she said. “We used his shirt fabric as an inlay and added a small heart on the cuff. It was emotional. We shared a few tears over that one.”
For Wendy, these special projects are a reminder of the personal impact her work can have on people’s lives.
Although Curly Top Customs started with foam vacation hats, the store’s catalogue now bursts with all kinds of products and designs. Wendy says she never stops looking for new ways to grow her business and give her customers what they need.
“The journey from foam hats to leather patches was a natural progression,” Wendy said. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to embroider and now I’m up to two machines!”
Wendy has big plans for the future. She hopes to someday partner with Washburn University and other local universities, colleges and Greek organizations. She also wants to work with more small businesses that need branded swag.
“I recently moved to a storefront, which has given me the space to let several other small businesses sell their products in my shop,” Wendy said. “Right now, I have five vendors in my new space. It’s great because we’re all supporting each other.”
Wendy likes giving back to the community that supports her. A portion of all sales from team and school merchandise goes back to the team or school, helping them raise funds while providing high-quality, custom apparel.
“Small businesses are the lifeline of our community. It’s important to support each other,” said Wendy, who often attends local craft fairs and school events to network and spread her love of custom design.
She also tries to stay ahead of fashion trends. Right now, she sees a shift toward casual, relaxed styles. Comfort is king, she says, and more people are gravitating toward laid-back, personalized apparel.
The newest addition to Wendy’s line reflects that: flannel pants customized with school logos. It’s an endearing twist on traditional school gear, offering something cozy and fun.
“They’re perfect for game days or lounging around the house,” she said. “I spend a lot of time online seeing what’s new and different. It’s a fun part of the business, staying on top of what’s trending and adapting it to our community.”
Wendy’s new pick-a-print service lets customers choose from four featured designs each month and have their shirt printed while they wait. Offering on-the-spot customization not only gives her customers a nearly instant product, but also allows her to showcase a rotating collection of designs.
She says she values getting to know her customers better and sees Curly Top Customs as a way to connect with people.
Wendy wants her commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized service to be evident in every aspect of her business. As her business grows, she’s excited about what the future holds.
“I’m always looking for ways to offer something new and different,” she said. “The goal is to keep growing and continue offering great products to the people who support me.”
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