Westport is a coastal town.
In Latin, “costalis” means “of the ribs.”
So Costal is an inspired name for Kate Kenny’s company.
The 2022 Staples High School graduate sells beach-themed apparel and accessories like sweatshirts and tote bags.
“To me, ribs symbolize protection,” Kate explains. “My mission is to protect the ocean and Long Island Sound, by having sustainable, eco-friendly products.”
Kate Kenny models one of her creations.
The beach (and her sailboat) have always been protective places for Kate. She spent years dealing with mental health issues, including hospitalizations for depression and anxiety.
Sketching scenes of those happy scenes brought her peace. Now — while a nursing student at Southern Connecticut State University — she combines the joy she finds by and on the water with her passion for drawing, photography, and creating physical products and online content.
The result is Costal Customs.
At Staples, Kate ran cross country and track. But she missed her high school graduation because she was hospitalized.
While there, she discovered a Cricut machine (a cutting device that helps people create personalized items). Kate used it to print out her designs on vinyl, for tote bags.
Kate’s parents gave her a Cricut as a graduation gift. Using her creative background — she had taken silk screening and photography at Staples, and a digital design class outside of school — she went to work.
A few of Kate Kenny’s creations …
Nautical themes like seashells, lobsters and turtles came naturally. Environmentally conscious, she focused on items that would be used often, like sweatshirts and tote bags.
In the works: new designs for t-shirts, cups and tumblers.
Business — mostly word-of-mouth — has been good. Customers are primarily college-age females, but plenty of older folks like her creations too.
… and another.
The beach and her sailboat have helped Kate Kenny get through some very tough times.
For now — with her burgeoning business, and college studies — the coast is clear.
(To see and purchase Costal Custom’s offerings, click here. To follow on Instagram, go to @Costal.Customs.)
(“06880” often highlights the creativity of Staples High School graduates. If you enjoy these and other features, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
