Elon student Brett Spelker founded the Bahama Llama clothing company this fall. Spelker was inspired to start the business after he and his brother went shopping at the local outlet mall.
"We went to a Polo store. We were just trying to find button-down shirts and we couldn't find anything under $60," Spelker said. "So it just occurred to me, why couldn't we make our own company?"
Spelker collaborated with his brother and four other friends to start Bahama Llama. One of his partners is fellow Elon student Michael Montane.
While his partners have played a large role in the success of the company thus far, Spelker also gives credit to his father.
"It [was my] dad and the books he would make me read in high school that just gave me the inner motivation to do this," said Spelker. "It's all about putting yourself out there."
The company sells two different types of button-down shirts on their website. Each shirt sells for $34.95. Spelker said the shirts are a mixture between slim fit and classy fit.
He is able to keep the costs down by having the shirts made in China.
"To make them unique and to make them stand out," said Spelker, "we put a different colored trim on the inside of the collar and on the inside of the cuff."
Business has been good for the clothing company thus far. Spelker said word of mouth has been key for their success.
Nonetheless, running a company while balancing college life hasn't been easy for him.
"It's hard to balance. You've got to balance your social life, academics, going to the gym," said Spelker. "I have to handle all of this at the same time."
Spelker notes that this experience has taught him a good deal.
"I got a lot of great experience," said Spelker. "I networked a lot, and I hope that I would have learned a couple lessons from it if it doesn't work out."
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