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| John and Deanalee Campbell celebrate the ribbon cutting for their new school uniform business, Faith Creative Names, with Mayor Kathy Sheehan. |
John and Deanalee Campbell celebrated the opening of a brick-and-mortar location for their school uniform business, Faith Creative Names yesterday.
The business is actually eight years old, but the Campbells have run it as a mail order business out of their home until now. "We wanted more exposure and more convenience for our customers," Deanalee Campbell says. They carry shirts, blouses, sweaters, skirts, shoes, and book bags. They says they are looking forward to a busy school year.
Campbell also credits the business's success to her strong religious faith. She believes in the community she lives in, and in giving back. In fact, she often gives away uniforms to families in need.
Faith Creative Names has two full-time employees and vends at 11 different schools, including Albany Community Charter School, Green Tech High Charter School, Brighter Choice for Girls, Blessed Sacrament, Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls, Martin Luther Charter School, Thomas O’Brien Academy for Science and Technology (TOAST), Pine Hills Elementary School, Arbor Hill Elementary School, Saint Ambrose, and Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy.
The store is located at 257 Central, in vacant storefront that was home to an insurance company. The store will offer uniforms for boys and girls, as well as an embroidery unit.
Campbell started her uniform business in 2007. She was a stay-at-home mother and wanted to add to the household income. She says she prayed every day, and eventually, was lead to the concept of the uniform business. “By seeking the Lord, he blessed me with the idea.”
She began the business with one client, Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy, and this in turn, lead to relationships with other schools including private and charter. She recognized each of these partners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, and thanked them for their support. You can find pictures of the celebration here.
Campbell also credits the business's success to her strong religious faith. She believes in the community she lives in, and in giving back. In fact, she often gives away uniforms to families in need.
“Some of our parents are struggling, and when we see that need, we fill it,” she says. “To be honest, it is a struggle for us, but we put our faith in the Lord.”
Campbell immigrated with her husband from Clarendon, Jamaica in 2000. She and her husband have five children, ages 15, 12, 10, 7, and 3. Prior to this business, the couple had a business selling personalized items, including keychains and picture frames.
Faith Creative Names has two full-time employees and vends at 11 different schools, including Albany Community Charter School, Green Tech High Charter School, Brighter Choice for Girls, Blessed Sacrament, Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls, Martin Luther Charter School, Thomas O’Brien Academy for Science and Technology (TOAST), Pine Hills Elementary School, Arbor Hill Elementary School, Saint Ambrose, and Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy.
Faith Creative Names is located at 257 Central Avenue, Albany, NY. The store is open 8am-7pm Monday through Saturday until October 1, and then 8am-5pm after that. For more information, please call (518) 364-2849 or visit the website: www.faithcreativenames.com
