Stephanie Ukkola
TOWER — Have you been dreaming of a T-shirt but didn’t have the means to design it or print it yourself? DontChaKno has got you covered — and you can enjoy a complimentary coffee while you wait, too.
Scott and Shannon Woodworth are open and ready for business at their new custom apparel shop on Tower’s Main Street. The couple from Buyck purchased the business on their 25th wedding anniversary in July.
“We plan on having a T-shirt bar,” said Shannon. Customers can walk in, choose a blank shirt, a design from the wall and have a custom T-shirt made ala caret in five minutes. Have your own design idea? No problem. They can help you design your own shirt. It might just take a little longer.
The T-shirt bar isn’t totally set up yet and won’t be until spring, but don’t let that stop you. You can still come in and order your custom shirt. It might just take a little longer while they iron out the kinks. The Woodworths can accommodate both small and large orders: sports teams, nonprofits, and businesses are encouraged to get their swag made locally. It doesn’t stop at tees, either. The Woodworths can custom design hats, sweaters, drink koozies, and more.
Since purchasing the business, the couple has been working with the previous owner, Cade Gornick, who operated the business under the name Vermilion Design Company, to learn the ropes and how to operate the massive embroidery machine that came with the business. The Woodworths have lovingly named it “Gertie.”
DontChaKno is a classic mom and pop shop with real Minnesota flair. The couple moved to Minnesota from Indiana 11 years ago, but both had been traveling separately to the Minnesota Northwoods with their families since they were young. When Shannon brought up the idea of moving to Minnesota, Scott eagerly agreed. Both Shannon and Scott could be called enthusiastic Minnesotans, as their store name, DontChaKno, might suggest. When asked how they came up with the name, Shannon said she has always been fascinated by the iconic saying. They first used the name for their fishing boat, then their freeze-dried candy business, and now the custom apparel store. Shannon still makes freeze-dried candy which can be ordered at the store. Eventually the duo hopes to add other services such as engraving and embossing, so you could walk in and order a custom … just about anything.
The store is their retirement project, though Scott works there five days a week and Shannon works there two days, on top of her job as staffing coordinator at Cook Hospital. Scott is a U.S. Army veteran and serves as a volunteer EMR for the Buyck Fire Department.
The store is located in the same building as the Timberjay, 414 Main St. in Tower. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. You can reach them by emailing [email protected] or calling 218-410-9906. Discounts are available for veterans and first responders. The business is pet friendly.
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