Camp 259 T-Shirt Bar & Souvenirs, owned by Jessica Shank, offers custom-designed apparel and locally inspired merchandise in historic downtown Broken Bow. The shop allows customers to personalize T-shirts and browse a selection of distinctive gifts and keepsakes.
Shank began operating the T-shirt business part time from her home while working for the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, where she spent nine years. Following a period of significant personal and professional change, she decided to pursue the business full time. Growing demand for sports-themed apparel from local students and schools soon positioned the company for expansion.
To support that growth, Shank established an LLC, purchased additional equipment, created a website, and built her social media presence. She also attended online workshops offered by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and registered for business advising. Oklahoma SBDC Business Advisor Joe Silk worked with Shank to explore business-planning strategies and financing options for the expansion.
Shank later purchased a building in downtown Broken Bow with her mother, providing Camp 259 with a permanent storefront and opportunities for continued development. After operating in the building for one year, she expanded the business and opened Camp 259 Trading Post, a thrift store in a previously unused portion of the building next door. Future also includes transforming an upstairs apartment into a space for craft classes, parties, and other community events.
“[Business Advisor Joe Silk] has been consistent with me to help my little business explore what more we can do,” says Jessica Shank.
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