Positive vibes only

Positive vibes only, that's Kali Clelland's motto. She opened Positive Vibes Apparel in November, and she's ready to show this community what she has to offer.

Kali said her custom-printed garments and accessories came from her search for a hobby to keep her busy, now that her three sons are all teenagers. "I needed something that I could do when they are out and about doing their things," she said, adding that she doesn't necessarily share her husband's love for hunting. So, she went on the lookout for something a little more fitting of her personality and skill set.

With an affinity for clothing and a desire to harness her creative side, Kali settled on sublimation printing. Sublimation is a method that involves printing designs on coated paper using a special kind of ink, then applying the printed design to a substrate such as a garment, mug or other surface, using a heat press. This process is specifically designed for garments and other fabric items made of at least 50% polyester, and also works well on mugs, tumblers and bags.

Typically sublimation artists use white or light colored fabrics and items, as the dark sublimation ink is most vibrant against a light background. However, Kali has learned a hack to make her sublimated prints pop on a darker colored garment. It's simply bleach, the household chemical, that in the past, would have been considered a laundry faux pas if used on dyed clothing. Now the bleached look is on trend, and it's the perfect solution to her dark-garment dilemma. The trick is to "bleach" the area where the design will be applied to remove an ideal backdrop for her sublimated prints. She also can add a little (or a lot) of personality to the garment with random bleach splatters, if the customer so chooses.

Positive Vibes Apparel is one more opportunity for residents to locally source personalized, unique gifts for their friends and family. Currently, Kali offers hoodies, crew neck sweatshirts, t-shirts, tank tops, 20 oz. skinny tumblers, water bottles, and 11 oz. and 15 oz. mugs.

Kali has a catalog of designs from which customers can choose, and most any design can be placed on any apparel or accessory item. Do you love the teacher graphic she has on a tumbler, but prefer a water bottle? No problem!

The line has an upbeat, youthful vibe, with brightly colored graphics and fun bleaching. Her apparel is truly unique, and no two items will look exactly the same. Customers who prefer a more traditional look can choose a white or light colored item and have their favorite dark colored design applied, no bleaching necessary!

This Ohio native moved to North Dakota as a fourth grader, and she spent most of her growing up years in Harvey. She and her three sons made their home in New Rockford six years ago, and she has since married local boy, Chad Kali. Her oldest son, Evan Ulrich, sure has made a name for himself on the local athletics scene. The 6'7" senior, who can dunk and put up 30 plus points per game, will continue his education and pursue a collegiate basketball career at University of Jamestown next fall.

In her professional life, Kali is an insurance agent. She has worked at Central Insurance in New Rockford for six years, and prior to that was employed at an insurance office in Harvey.

To get an idea of the designs she has to offer, go online to pvapparel4u.com or find her on Facebook or Instagram at pvapparel4u. Custom orders are always welcome. Email her at [email protected] with your request!

Transcript Publishing is proud to partner with Positive Vibes Apparel to offer a custom line of SNR Black Sox merchandise and fan gear for baseball players and fans alike. Positive Vibes' catalog consists of tumblers, water bottles, bags, blankets and koozies. The Transcript has a wide range of apparel including t-shirts, hoodies, pullovers, hats, joggers and more! There's something to fit players and fans of every age, size and budget. Proceeds go to the SNR Baseball program. Orders can be placed at the Transcript office through Wednesday, March 17. Order forms are also available on our website and on social media.

This quote Kali posted on her Facebook page perfectly fits her approach to life and business. "Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better." Harvey MacKay

Let's keep those positive vibes local! By supporting Kali and all other local businesses, we make our community better.