If you visited the Made South event, you couldn’t have missed the Franklin Flannels booth. It was the one that was so crowded that you could barely step inside. But there was a good reason for that, Franklin Flannels are some of the softest shirts I’ve ever felt. And now that the weather is getting cooler, it’s the perfect layer for all of your outfits. We sat down with owners of Franklin Flannels, husband and wife team-Cindy Laverty and Dominic Gironda.
What brought you to Franklin?
It was serendipity really. This was really “my move” (Cindy). I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but for whatever reason, Los Angeles was really starting to get to me. My soul was craving something new. My poor husband, Dominic, had a 90-minute drive to and from work. It just starts to get to you. Even though my entire family, including my daughter live there, I felt this call to move. If I told you it was a “God thing” would you believe me? I really feel like it was a spiritual move for both of us. Neither of us had ever heard of Franklin until someone mentioned it to me one day and said, “I should check it out.” Long story short we came to “see” on Memorial Day weekend 2013. I fell in love and I’m not sure Dominic felt the same way, but he loves me and we just said, “Yes.” We found a house. Made an offer and moved in August 2013. It was incredibly sudden. We left everything that was familiar and moved to a place where we literally had no friends or family and no jobs. In retrospect, it was really scary.
There is something so cozy about a flannel shirt, what prompted you to build a business around a flannel shirt?
We didn’t decide. Dominic had just left the place where he was working and really had NO idea what he was going to do. We were having dinner in Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Franklin and this guy walked by wearing a cool flannel shirt. I asked where he got it. He didn’t remember. Dominic said, “I can make you a shirt like that.” My response was, “How do you know how to do that?” Him: “I don’t, but I’ll figure it out.” Two days later I had a shirt and our little business was born. Initially, we sold our shirts at City Farmhouse, but it was nothing like it is today. I came up with the name Franklin Flannels but things sort of poked along for awhile. Today Franklin Flannels is officially trademarked; our shirts are sold in two stores in Franklin – The Barn Door and Finds in the Fork and we have 42 stores selling our shirts across the United States. Dominic has changed the process from the beginning and today, every shirt is unique and handled with tender loving care.
Tell us about the process you have for flannel shirt selections?
We look for the softest flannel and we’re fussy about colors and plaids. We have people shopping for us all over the United States and we do have a source for large orders. We’ve learned a lot in a year and we really listen to what our customers and boutiques that sell our shirts really want for their customers. It takes time to get okay with being selective.
What has been the most interesting request you’ve received from a customer?
Because our online store isn’t finished yet (coming in January), someone asked if I could take a picture of every one of our shirts and send them to her so she could make a selection!
Your product line includes shirts but I noticed you have some stockings on your Facebook page, will you continue to have those over the holidays?
Yes, we have beautiful Christmas stockings that are available at The Barn Door, Finds in the Fork and Woof Gang Bakery in Westhaven. Each stocking is hand-sewn by the most delightful young women in Nashville. They’re made of the finest flannel, beautiful faux fur and lined in suede cloth.
Your Made South booth was packed, will you be at any other holidays shows?
Currently, we have no plans to do any other shows because our stock is limited and we want to deliver the best products to our customers. Made South Holiday Market was a wonderful experience and we’re so grateful for being a part of such a special show.
And if our readers miss one of the shows, how can they order one of your shirts?
They can visit either one of the stores here in Franklin or go to our website or email us at Franklinflannels@gmail.com.
What is one thing that you want people to know about Franklin Flannels?
We really believe that this is more a story about faith and never giving up. It’s a story of all that is possible if we keep living with an open heart. It’s a story of God’s grace. And then I want people to know that we’re a small family-run business with our focus on creating a great product and customer satisfaction. Our goal is to continue growing Franklin Flannels at a manageable pace. We plan to add more products this year and our online shop will be up and running in January. This business has been a beautiful blessing in our lives.
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That’s by sister and brother-in-law. Congrats, guys.