Susie launches new clothing business – in her garage

WHEN COVID-19 broke out in late February, Susie Dow, of Warrington, was just days away from flying to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

It was meant to be the start of a 12-month, once-in-a-lifetime round the world trip.
Of course, things didn’t quite go to plan but that hasn’t stopped her reaching a series of far-flung destinations this year.
For most people it has been a struggle to reach Margate never mind Marbella. But for Susie, 26, lockdown has seen her new clothing company, High Tied Apparel, take off with orders from Australia, Chile and Singapore among a host of exotic destinations.
Like many others, Susie spent the first weeks of lockdown at home trying out new crafts to pass the time between early summer barbeques. She had already made her own birdbox and tried gin-making when her first tie dye kit arrived and sparked the idea.
So far High Tied sells hand-dyed t-shirts, jumpers, face masks and socks. Since launching in May from her garage, Susie has made more than 250 sales to over 20 countries on five continents around the world.
Reflecting on her unique year Susie said: “This year hasn’t quite gone to plan but setting up High Tied has been an amazing experience!
“At first I was really shocked by every order but now it is so exciting seeing where the next one is from. Lucky for me the postal service isn’t shut down!”