Today we’d like to introduce you to Courteney Bechtel
Hi Courteney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I founded Pax Supply Company after 17 years of product development experience working for leaders in the apparel and interior design industry and most recently at a startup for consumer based goods. In 2021 our startup was acquired and relocated from Charleston, SC to Austin, Texas. The west coast hours were impacting my parenting on the east coast and I knew that my next steps were to go back into apparel and start my own brand offering hats, apparel, and accessories that reflect the beauty and lifestyle of Charleston and the Lowcountry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a small business certainly comes with its challenges, but I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible local support in my first year. I initially started with just a few hats for Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach, expecting to sell online and at some local pop-ups. Within a month, things took off thanks to a local influencer, Liz Adams, and retailers like Maker’s Post, Celadon, and Pitt Street Kids, who began carrying my products.
That said, there are always struggles in product development and retail—whether it’s popular colors being out of stock, issues with USPS losing orders, or constant price increases for products, packaging, and shipping. As a self-funded business, the biggest challenge is feeling the weight of every struggle, both financially and emotionally, from start to finish. Balancing all of that can be stressful, but it’s part of the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m most proud of professionally is the impact I’ve had through the products I’ve helped create for industry leaders like Victoria’s Secret, Urban Electric Company, and Natalist. I’ve traveled the world to design and source materials, spending countless hours on production floors and in factories to problem-solve and bring ideas to life. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing someone say they love something I helped make—it’s a reminder of the passion and effort I’ve put into my work.
What sets me apart is my deep involvement in every aspect of the product creation process, from concept to production. I’m hands-on, detail-oriented, and driven by a desire to create products that people truly connect with and enjoy. That personal investment in quality and craftsmanship is what makes my work unique.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’m one of four daughters, and one can only imagine our childhood toy room. We had those fabulous plastic fashion plates and I spent hours drawing and coloring, dressing and playing Barbies, and performing or dancing in our never ending assortment of dance costumes and dresses. It was the late 80’s – early 90’s, there were limited screens and endless hours of creating. For some reason, I can’t think of a specific favorite memory, but the amount of video performances that my dad was able to capture on VHS has been both embarrassing and incredible to watch.
Pricing:
- $25 adult tee shirts
- $25 youth tee & sweatshirts
- $36 various hats
- $44 adult sweatshirts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pax-supply.com
- Instagram: paxsupply
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paxsupplyco/
