The Business of Color: Area Boys Help Others Through Tie Dye | News, Sports, Jobs

Today he is the youngest member of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, “The Kelly Clarkson Show” via skype.

He has been involved in the creation of over 600 tie-dyed items including t-shirts, hoodies, scrubs, pet shirts, bandanas and more.

The idea to start a business came to Tukka in January 2022 while watching a YouTube video.

“I was like, ‘Mommy, can’t we start a tie-dye business?’ And she said, ‘Yes.'” Tukka said in a recent interview:

Photo courtesy Everett’s Tuukka Saari puts the dye on one of his pieces for his tie-dye business. He started his venture in January and has helped raise funds for several organizations.

He received several tie-dye kits for his birthday and ended up making shirts for his family and friends.

“Then people saw those shirts and asked where they could get them.” Tiffany said.

Business seemed to grow naturally from there, and Tuukka jumped at the chance to make money selling his unique works of art.

When asked what he wanted to do with the money, he decided to donate half to charity and save the other half for a new set of wheels.

His mother said it was his can-do spirit and striving to help others that the community has gathered around him.

“We’ve had a really great response from the community.” Tiffany said. “The support is outstanding.”

Tuukka figures out which groups she wants to help and asks her mother for help.

“He comes to me every once in a while and says he wants to help this group of people. …I’ll look into it and figure out where to go from there.” she said.

So far he has worked with Your Safe Haven, Special Olympics and Last Line.

Last Line’s Ryan Decker said Tuukka came to him and said he wanted to raise money for veterans.

Decker, who built a tiny house on his 250-acre farm in Everett and runs a nonprofit that benefits veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, said that young men like Tukka were there. said he was lucky for the world. Community/community.

“I had a great time just being around Tukka.” Decker said. “He was very happy and great to work with.”

For the Last Line collaboration project, Tukka created a red, white and blue design shirt.

“People loved it. Quite a few people bought the shirt and he raised a lot of money for veterans.” Decker said.

The tie-dye business also financed the Southern Allegheny Museum in Bedford. The museum started a new children’s museum that Tukka wanted to support for other young artists. Everett Elementary School was also established.

family affair

Making each tie-dyed item begins by placing the fabric to be dyed in soda ash for 20 minutes. This helps the fibers absorb the dye.

After dyeing, put it in a bag and let it rest for a day so that the dye can fully penetrate into the fibers.

Finally, the goods are washed, dried and packed.

“If you think you’re going to do something wrong, just watch the video.” Tukka explained.

Tiffany said the whole family has offered to help, with Tukka’s grandfather, Tom, pre-soaking and folding the shirts and helping with the more intricate parts of the tie-dyeing process. increase.

Tuukka likes the process of dyeing fabrics and her favorite color is dark green.

Tukka said he feels good when people like what he makes.

He gave the shirt to one of the teachers, “She was so happy she wore it the next day.” He said.

Tukka’s shirts and other items have even been shipped to Hawaii and California.

Tiffany, who thought the t-shirts were only shared among family and friends, said she was amazed at how far Tuukka had taken the business and his dedication to making it work.

“He loves it” she said. “We will continue as long as he wants.”

Tiffany said he had to learn different folds to create things like peace signs and shamrocks, as well as tooth designs.

“We started with what we could, so folding technology has come a really long way.” she said.

Tukka also learned a lot about colors and how two colors mix to make a third color.

Trial and error is the prerogative of business, Tiffany said.

“He got to practice all these different techniques and we got the shirt out of the deal.” she said.

Kelly Goodman Shaffer, CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, said Tukka was the Chamber’s first honoree after a new program was created to encourage and support young people. He said he was a member.

“As a member, he has access to all of the Chamber’s resources and the exposure that comes with networking, advertising, marketing and engagement perks.” Schaefer said.

“We are grateful for all the support and opportunities they have provided, such as allowing us to put up signs in the Christmas lights of the fairgrounds.” Tiffany said.

Shaffer said he is thrilled with Tuukka’s business success.

“He’s really a great example of young entrepreneurship.” Goodman Shaffer said.

What is Lamborghini Tucca paying attention to? So far he’s saved $1,700 towards a $20,000 car.

Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith can be reached at 814-381-5204.