Locals open graphics business Fit N’ It

     Kaitlyn Tuel and Andrea Davis, both graduates of Monticello High School, have come together to open a new business in downtown Monticello.

     Fit N’ It is located at 215 E. First St.

     The store opened on July 1 and specializes in screen-printing and vinyl graphics. Aside from the custom work, they also sell women’s apparel.

     Both girls are instructors with Almost Famous Dance Studio, and Davis bought the screen-printing business a few years ago when Almost Famous gave it up. She was operating the business out of her parents’ garage and called it Hollywood Graphics.

     “I bought the business in 2013 and it took off,” she said.

     Both gals said Almost Famous owners Amanda Hackney and Melissa Ehrisman have been very supportive in their new endeavors.

     “They pushed us in doing something we love,” said Davis.

     Davis attended the University of Dubuque for graphic design, as well as Kirkwood Community College. Tuel attended Kirkwood as well for business.

     After a few years, Davis admitted the screen-printing business got too hectic for one person, so she brought Tuel into the mix and they started brainstorming.

     “We had been talking about having a store front for a while,” admitted Davis. “The business just got crazy busy for one person to handle alone.”

     “And I wanted to help,” said Tuel. “I’ve always aspired to be a business owner, so it worked out perfectly.”

     Both gals are also physically active, and thought it would be a good idea to offer fitness apparel, too.

     “It goes hand in hand,” explained Tuel of coming up with fun phrases for their fitness gear.

     They also said they couldn’t have asked for a better location in town, with visibility on First Street. The building is owned by Denise Arduser, and she allowed the gals to make the space their own.

     “We absolutely love the space,” said Davis. “It’s been great.”

     “It’s perfect,” added Tuel.

     They started leasing the space on May 1, and took their time with the renovations.

     They painted the walls and added wallpaper that resembles bricks. They put down new flooring and trim. They also installed sliding barn doors for their workstations in back and shelves and racks to hang merchandise on.

     “It was a complete remodel,” recalled Tuel.

     Since going into business, Tuel and Davis said they’ve learned a lot in this short amount of time.

     “We want to offer custom screen-printing,” offered Tuel of being creative with their designs.

     “We’re learning time management, staying on top of our orders,” said Davis.

     They offer two to two and a half weeks on orders during their busy times of the year.

     “Normally it’s just a few days,” said Davis.

     They get ideas from their customers, as well as on Pinterest.

     “Business has been super for us so far,” said Davis. “Other businesses in town have been supportive.”

     Tuel said they want to work with other businesses as well.

     Davis said they’re prices are affordable, “not over budget.

     “We bring quality products at affordable rates,” she said.

     Fit N’ It is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also check them out of Facebook.