Profiles in Business 2005
In July, Charleston Cotton Exchange, a thriving screen printing, embroidery and promotional products company, will celebrate 10 years in business. It’s hard for President Stephanie Mathias to believe the company she began fresh out of collegehas blossomed into such a successful business. The family business consists of her father, Dr. David Mathias, her financial advisor, and her mother Helena Mathias, a silent partner. “They are my guiding
light,” Mathias says of her parents. “During challenging times, they gave me the strength and perseverance to go on.”
Charleston Cotton Exchange does more than just apparel; it also works with companies, organizations and individuals to create marketing and incentive ideas. And it can put a logo on virtually anything—coffee mugs, key chains, notepads, flip flops and stuffed animals.
“We’re a full-service company, meaning people come to us with anything from a sketch to a fully-developed idea and our graphic designers help them
turn their ideas into a fully conceived design or product,” Mathias notes. “Our sales reps are trained to help businesses like restaurants and retailers develop ideas for apparel and promotional products
in order to make their enterprises successful.”
The company’s growing customer list includes the College of Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina, Centex Homes and ATS Logistics.
The staff also works with large national accounts,
such as Estee Lauder and Calvin Klein.
Mathias is always on the lookout for new and different items, which she develops through attendance at annual trade shows. The Charleston Cotton
Exchange is a member of the Advertising Specialty Institute, which provides access to competitive pricing and a diverse range of products.
With almost 10 years in the business, the Charleston Cotton Exchange continues to offer personalized service with a strong focus on working
with its customers. “Whether they’re ordering 12 shirts for a landscaping company or 3,000 garments for Piccolo Spoleto, they will get the same personalized attention," Mathias says
