Cortez business aims to help its community with storytelling T-shirts

CORTEZ, Fla. — Step by step, Megan Brandon is creating something new.

She and her family started Cortez Clothing Company in May. Each shirt shows a design relating to the Cortez community.


What You Need To Know

  • Cortez Clothing Company was started by Megan Brandon and her family in May
  • The company sells T-shirts featuring designs related to the Cortez community
  • Profits are split between local families, charities, and events to give back
  • Shirts can be purchased on their website and at the Ace Hardware in Cortez

“This was the Albion Inn, and it was on the waterfront in Cortez,” she said while showing off one of the shirts. “It was a boarding house. Fishermen would stay … we have a cool story about it on our website.”

But this clothing company is more than just a business — it’s a way to give back.

“We wanted to start it just to help our community. Basically, we spent the hurricanes here with everybody, and we felt like they needed help,” Brandon said.

It’s aid that will come from selling T-shirts that tell a personal story of Cortez residents.

“We would like to partner with actual Cortezians and people that grew up here. And their families are from here,” she said.

Brandon said her company is partnering with local residents and businesses. A unique design is created — then from there, it’s all about promoting their story to sell the shirts.

“We donate our percentage, our third of the shirt. And then your family or whoever the partner is gets a third, and then we pick a Cortez-based charity or event that would get the third third,” she said.

They have already teamed up with one local charter captain, and next month they will start selling the shirt.

“I’d like it to help, you know, the Maritime Museum and the fish preserve and, you know, all the stuff around here that helps preserve Cortez,” Brandon said.

Brandon is showing her love for her community — by helping her fellow neighbors.

You can buy Cortez Clothing Company T-shirts from their website and the Ace Hardware in Cortez.

Julia Hazel

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