Amador Valley DECA Custom Designs

Amador is a school full of students who are interested in a variety of different activities. From science projects to math competitions to fashion shows, Amador students are both creative and innovative in their endeavors. One group of these high-achieving and motivated Amador students has decided to use their entrepreneurial spirit to run DECA Custom Designs, a business that produces custom-made apparel for its customers.

DCD was originally started three years ago by Amador Valley student, Annie Cai, and a few of her friends after they recognized the demand for custom clothing in the local community. While this student-run store went on hiatus for a couple years, two AV DECA students, Ashton Lam and Valorie Low, have recently decided to bring back this business. Through revamping this company, they hope to rejuvenate a source of quality apparel for local schools, clubs, and organizations at reasonable prices.

“I think that DCD is a great venue for DECA students and future business leaders alike to channel their passion for entrepreneurship through this high school startup,” said Ashton Lam, one of the executive managers of the business. “Our mission goes beyond just providing a custom apparel alternative to CustomInk; it’s more about providing hands-on experience with a business that you can’t get in the classroom.”

In order to efficiently run this business, Ashton and Valorie have enlisted a group of DECA students to complete all the tasks required for the success of DCD. By assigning students roles in the areas of marketing, public relations, IT, human resources and other aspects of business, this business has allowed local students to apply the business concepts they learn in class and school clubs to real-life situations.

This team of high schoolers has organized various fundraising and marketing events for DCD, including recent events at T4 and Panda Express. From advertising videos on AVTV, Amador Valley’s news channel, to innovative designs for DCD’s custom shirts, DCD team members have used their talent to boost DCD’s popularity in a fairly short amount of time.

Amador Valley students and others in the P-town community have been greatly satisfied by DCD’s products with many clubs and businesses coming back to the business as returning customers.

“As clients of DCD for both FBLA and DECA, I really enjoyed working with DCD. The management was really receptive of our inquiries, and they handled all of the processes very efficiently and in a timely manner. Although they are just a startup, their members have the attitude and work ethic of a true professional, and I can confidently recommend them for any apparel or design service,” asserts Sandhya Kalavachera, an Amador Valley senior who is an officer of both the DECA and FBLA clubs.