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| Dye
Versions P.O. Box 30764 Columbia, MO 65205-3764 |
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Hi, I'm Lori Young
Dye Versions, Inc. is what I have named the
business encompassing my artwork. I've been doing
this for over twenty years now, developing a
collection that signifies
my own style of
tie-dying.
Back in 1979, in Missouri, I was inspired by my friend, Joan, to try
tie-dyeing. It was great fun. I saw the unlimited potential in creating
symmetrical, freehand, wild designs. Soon after, we relocated to Summertown,
Tennessee, living in a collective community called
The Farm. I had the opportunity there, to work with one of the original 1960s hippie
tie-dye artists, who taught me techniques which brought my skills and dyeing
abilities to new heights. With each batch, we shared friendly criticism,
striving for more intricate details. Our beautiful shirts were soon in
demand.
Having grownup in South Florida, I longed to return home. It was 1982 and
tie-dyes were not very popular, nor were they readily available. I made my
new home in Miami, and when word got out of what I'd been doing, many people
were asking me to make them one. Bright, bold, colors seemed to fit in well
with the mood of the tropics. I also learned the art of batik, and took the
time to teach a few friends, which led to the development of at least four
other successful textile businesses.
My business really took off when I started doing art and craft shows in
Coconut Grove. Specialty stores all over the country began to order from me.
Concert vendors were suddenly calling with large orders. The Grateful Dead
tours were in full swing. Phil Lesh, their guitar
player, was photographed in my signature shooting-star T-shirt, and the orders poured in.
At that time, I was a single mother with a young
son and daughter, so being self employed was a
huge benefit. With a lot of cooperation from
my wonderful children, I struggled to be a
successful entrepreneur. One of my best friends Judy
Sampson, was always helping me with everything,
and a lot of the success of my business is due to
her. My father had always been very
artistic, and I felt I was too, and that color
combining was my gift.
The large outdoor festivals also proved to be a
popular venue for this extremely brightly colored,
natural fiber apparel. I had a vision of doing
beautiful styles with positive energy that would
attract fun-loving people of all ages. Now,
many years later,
Fort Lauderdale is my home base.
My very loyal, long term customers appreciate the
durability and originality of my clothing designs
and accessories. The attention and time that
I give to each item in the process of folding,
tying and dying is evident in the consistent
quality.
The requests of my customers have shown me what
designs have become their favorites. Each year I
find new, exciting, fashionable styles to work
with. Presenting my products to the public at
large art and craft shows throughout the
Southeast, puts me on the front lines, face to
face, meeting people in many different locations
who are amazed with my techniques. Making
tie-dyes timeless, a true fashion statement, and
an expression of individuality, is my passion, and
gives sheer joy to my daily work. Now, everywhere I go, I see them and smile.
I have been greatly blessed with a terrific
support team, for which I will be forever
grateful. The models you see here on the web
site are all very close to my heart, beautiful
people, inside and out, we've enjoyed growing
together.
Special Thanks to Judy, Melissa, Leon, Sylvia,
Barb, Jamie, Sierra, Laurel, Maria, Corina, Iris,
Claire, Fanny, Diane, William, Kevin, Amy, Carol,
Diana, Andrew, Connie, Kevan, my Dad, my Mom,
Kathy, Michael, Jennifer, Tess, Wayne, Kelly, Lyn,
Shiila, Susan, Warren, Tony, John, Jimmy, Joan,
Charlotte, Phil, Rich, and all the wonderful,
encouraging, important, influential folks,
including my fabulous customers.
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Photo
of Phil Lesh by Jay Blakesberg |
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