We’re looking forward to introducing you to Desi & Darren Gaither. Check out our conversation below.
Desi & Darren , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Were 80s babies, so we love the 80s and 90s television of our youth. We’ve taken to creating our own version of TGIF the last 6 months or so since Full House,Step by Step,Hanging with Mr Cooper, Friends and E.R. are on streaming.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Were Desi and Darren Gaither the owners of D&D Tropical Trading Co.
We’re niche quilting shop that specializes in tiki and disney designs. Per our customers request we’ve been adding country and pop culture designs as well.
In addition to quilts we carry a selection of unique quilted items including tote bags, bum bags, bucket hats, mug rugs, corn hole bags, bathing suit cover ups and aprons.
We work with a select group of vendors on custom fabric and custom designs so that what we carry is unique to our shop and wont be found at other shops. These unique offerings include shop exclusive tiki and disney designs but also The Rock , Coors Light, NKOTB, Dirty Dancing and Dolly Parton. We have over a thousand fabric files that we can have custom printed for clients if they dont see a design they like in the shop. In addition we have a vendor that can make us shop exclusive fabric files to meet a customer’s needs.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
For me (Desi) it was my father. As a young child he would tell me about starting with the company he worked for over the summer at age 17 and going full time after graduation at age 18. Growing up I watched him gain rank within the company for over 25 years.
For me (Darren) it was both my parents. I would see them work hard and sacrifice to make sure me and my brother and sister had a comfortable childhood.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me (Desi) it was the fear of failure that held me back. I was afraid that I wasn’t good enough and not talented enough and was guaranteed to fail. I had a boss that told me I had no grit and no determination and it lived rent-free in my head for years. That comment, because I had internalized it so deeply, made me convinced I would fail.
For me (Darren) it was feeling like it wasn’t the right time, and that I had to be in a certain place in my life. I finally had to push back the fear and be like the time is now.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see is what you get with both of us, and if you don’t like it so be it. The same way we joke and dress behind closed doors is what you are getting when you see us in person.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Simply put that we were good and honest people.
The bigger story though would be that we shared our version of art with the world and it brought them joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ddtropicaltradingco.com
- Instagram: @ddtropicaltradingco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/d-d-tropical-trading-co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550635367752
- Youtube: @DDTropicalTradingCo
- Other: Email: gaithersgonnabbq@gmail.com
Image Credits
N/a
