A unique spin on college apparel?

Spending hours surfing Facebook, heading to a local bar for a night of drinking and dancing and working unruly hours at a part-time job are all things that typical college students do on a daily basis.?

For Taylor and Rachael Smith, a typical day could range from creating a new design to updating their Web site.?

Since the summer of 2007 the brother and sister duo have been working tirelessly to create a new clothing style that appeals directly to the college apparel industry.?

Rachael is a senior finance major at ECU, while Taylor attends Mercer County Community College where he is majoring in digital media arts.

"We want our designs to stand out from the rest. It's unique clothing for unique people.

?"We also create designs that will reach every age group. I've seen parents wearing the shirts before and that's great to know we can be that diversifiable," said Rachael.?

When browsing through various student bookstores located near campus Rachael noticed most of the clothing was typical and boring, which sparked the idea for UNVERSITEE apparel.?

"My brother came up with our company name and logo design. UNIVERSITEE apparel is our trade name and Smith & Smith, LLC is our actual company name," Rachael said.

?After the company was created, the next step was finding a local retailer to sell the merchandise. The two decided to contact University Book Exchange (U.B.E.) and the rest is history.?

U.B.E. began carrying their designs, which target ECU students with catchy slogans such as "pirate country" or "spirit of the east," since they do not have a license to use the school name or trademarks. ?

"My brother and I own the company, but my parents have been there the whole way with us. They each play a great part in helping run the company.

"They have helped us with getting started financially, learning the whole business aspect, contacting the right people and just helping us sell the shirts by promoting them constantly," Rachael said.?

Those interested in purchasing UNIVERSITEE merchandise can stop by U.B.E. located on Cotanche Street during normal store hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or log on to their Web site, universiteeapparel.com.??

This writer can be contacted at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.?