CCU student started online businesses to inspire fellow peers

A Coastal Carolina University student started two businesses called Tailgate Apparel and Basic Angel Boutique to make money and “excite students about coming back to school.” 

Kaitlyn Gallaher is a 21-year-old communication major at CCU. She had a new job opportunity at the beginning of quarantine, but that was soon taken away because of COVID-19. So, she was scrambling to make money and brainstormed the idea to start Tailgate Apparel. 

“As a 21-year-old, I have bills to pay,” said Gallaher. “I needed a job, but no one was hiring because of what was going on. I eventually had the idea to start Tailgate Apparel (TA), because I figured a lot of colleges have people who make these super cute custom shirts and I noticed there wasn’t much for CCU. I thought it was the perfect chance to make some money and get students excited for school again.”

TA became popular on Instagram over the past year and inspired Gallaher to start her own business, Basic Angel Boutique. Basic Angel Boutique was created a few months ago after Gallaher realized she wanted to “be her own boss” and pursue something she’s passionate about. 

“For Basic Angel, I go through the wholesale trade industry. It was a complicated process starting Basic Angel. I had to go through filing paperwork, get my retail license, and figuring out numbers and business plans,” said Gallaher. 

Since Basic Angel is new, Gallaher spends her days (aside from being a working college student) marketing and working on supplies and inventory. 

Gallaher intends to continue Basic Angel Boutique and Tailgate Apparel after graduation; however, she does wish to pass the torch of Tailgate Apparel to a CCU student after she graduates. 

For information on how to purchase items from Tailgate Apparel and Basic Angel Boutique, please reference below:

Tailgate Apparel: custom CCU tank tops, sweatshirts and crewneck tees. To purchase, DM @tailgate_apparel_ on Instagram with your order. Payments are made through Venmo and Cashapp. 

Basic Angel Boutique: clothes from inspiration of Boho and Southwestern styles. All purchases are through Shopify on basicangelboutique.com. Basic Angel Boutique is also on Instagram (@basicangelboutique) and Facebook (Basic Angel Boutique).