Jackie Edwards was not able to find exactly the sizes and styles of T-shirts that she wanted in stores, so she started her own business five years ago to make the designs she loves available to herself and others. Avenue J Collections began as a home-based business, until Edwards opened a storefront location in April at 8220 Louetta Road, Ste. 140, Spring. The idea began with a search for attractive T-shirts that were larger than petite and junior sizes. “I went on a hunt for shirts that appealed to me in my size and designs I wanted to see on them,” Edwards said. “You see shirts with cute designs, but you can’t find them in all sizes.” Edwards developed designs that translated well onto other formats, including “redneck” wine glasses—mason jars on a glass candlestick stem— and regular wine glasses. Hats, jewelry and wrap bracelets also proved to be popular selections with her customers. Clothing is available in sizes small to 4X. The store serves as a wholesale showroom, design center and boutique where customers can request customization and work with a design artist to see their ideas take shape. Digital images and photos are reproduced on clothing or other items using one of the digital transfer or dye processes offered at the shop. There are no fees for artwork or set-up, and no minimum order. “If you want one shirt, you can buy one shirt,” she said. “I wanted to make customization affordable for people.” Printing is done on-site except for large screen-printing jobs. Edwards said turnaround time can be as fast as one day and not longer than one week. “You can see your idea come to life,” Edwards said. “Depending on the timing, customers can have it made while they are waiting.” The shop also takes orders for items for fundraisers, sports teams and booster clubs. Items that can be customized include mugs, mouse pads, phone cases and key chains. Popular sellers include shirts with the slogan “Lone Star State of Mind,” “Go West” and Texas designs in general, she said. The store also has a children’s section, lotion, perfumes, candles, jeans, hair bows jewelry and seasonal gifts.