In the heart of downtown Fountain Inn, a vibrant business is transforming the world of digital printing. Cheeky Tees, owned by Patrick Cox, specializes in turning digital images into stunning apparel, showcasing millions of colors through cutting-edge printing technology. 

Most businesses come to Patrick with their graphics ready to go. But for new startups without designs or a marketing budget, Cheeky Tees steps in to create eye-catching logos and graphics at a fraction of the cost - just $30 for 30 minutes of work, compared to the $100+ per hour rates of many graphic designers. While graphic design is his forte, Patrick’s true love lies in printing, and he’s always eager to connect clients with additional design services when needed.

Patrick’s journey into entrepreneurship is rooted in a lifelong love for art. From the moment he picked up crayons as a child, he was destined to create. He pursued his passion through formal education and eventually worked on significant projects like designing NFL stadiums. However, the corporate world left him feeling unfulfilled. He craved a deeper connection with his community - a desire that ultimately led him to launch Cheeky Tees.

What truly drives Patrick is his commitment to making a positive impact in his community. He believes that art and creativity can bring people together and spark change. Patrick actively sponsors local events such as beauty pageants, charity golf tournaments and supports organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation. He views his business as a platform for fostering a sense of community, connecting with local talents, and helping others achieve their dreams through design.

Today, Patrick finds joy in the instant gratification of his customers’ satisfaction. Seeing their smiling faces and eyes light up with excitement over the end result is rewarding. His creativity even caught the attention of NFL players; Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins. He also collaborates with local promoters for concerts, injecting energy into the community he serves.

Despite the charm of Fountain Inn, foot traffic can be an interesting observation. Patrick humorously notes that many of his walk-in customers are often just lost, with the biggest influx coming from elderly ladies mistaking his shop for the alterations store next door. He acknowledges that the town has been historically centered around an older demographic, with the quaint antique shops and bookstores dominating the landscape. However, Patrick envisions a revitalization, a spark of “electricity” to bring life back into the area with the growing businesses in the area such as an upcoming rooftop restaurant. 

As he looks to the future, Patrick has big goals for Cheeky Tees. He aims to scale the business and hire more staff, potentially opening a second location in Greenville. He notes that downtown Greenville inspired him to open in downtown Fountain Inn and spent much time in the downtown Greenville area for his previous line of work. His priorities include raising awareness of his brand, expanding his product offerings, and enhancing his automation systems to streamline operations. However, like any entrepreneur, Patrick faces challenges that he doesn’t shy away from and instead, embraces it. He’s on the lookout for effective software to track leads and streamline his operations. While he actively promotes his business through social media and Google Ads, he’s always searching for more engaging ways to connect with his audience by being authentic and full of spirit. 

With a vision for growth and commitment to community, Patrick Cox and Cheeky tees are poised to leave a colorful mark on Fountain Inn and beyond. As he continues to blend artistry with business, he’s not just printing shirts - he’s weaving a fabric of connections and creativity throughout his community, inspiring others to dream big and take action. Check out the Cheeky Tees website for more information: https://www.cheekyteesllc.com/