Best in the Midwest

BLOOMVILLE — Rose Apparel, a family-owned clothing business located in Bloomville, was recently recognized as the Best New Small Business in the Midwest by Insider Weekly. Known for its custom designs and inclusive size range, the shop has become a staple in the community, providing everything from cheer team shirts to seasonal hoodies. "I was so surprised," said Tammie Reinhart, founder of the business. "Being in such a small town where my main advertisement is talk, I wasn't sure how far I would get. Seeing the article talking about my company was like being on cloud nine." She continued, sharing that her business originally began as a hobby creating unique designs for family and friends. After realizing how much she loved being able to give truly personalized gifts, Reinhart's homemade creations continued to gain popularity, sparking interest from others in the community. "The community has supported me so much," Reinhart shared. "I've gotten orders from neighbors, family, even strangers who just loved my designs. The influx of orders allows my granddaughter's cheer team to get shirts before each competition as a good luck present." That kind of support has fueled the business's growth, with entire families placing orders and spreading the word. A key part of its success was working hard to get her name out early on – handing out business cards and making free shirts in hopes of finding new customers. "In a small town like Bloomville, those personal connections carried weight," she added. "Once my name was out, my loyal customers were happy to recommend me. In larger cities, that might not mean much, but in a tight-knit community like ours, it's gold." The business also keeps designs fresh by updating its website to match new seasons and trends. Today, Rose Apparel offers a wide selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, with sizes ranging from youth 4 to 5 through adult 5XL. Every item is inspected before being sold, ensuring customers receive what Reinhart calls the highest quality. Running Rose Apparel as a family business has been especially rewarding, saying, "Seeing my children's hidden skills shine and grow makes me so proud." While most customers remain local, some orders have gone out to Minnesota, Texas, as well as other states – a sign that Reinhart's designs are resonating well outside of just the Midwest. As they move forward, the company is preparing to launch a new line of stainless-steel tumblers, with designs aimed at matching different personalities. Reinhart said she also hopes to connect with more people face-to-face by displaying merchandise at craft shows and fairs.