Introducing Anthony Sims-Hall from Ashburn, Virginia. He is the owner of Tito’s Tie Dye. Here are a few unique things about Anthony:

“I currently Serve in the Army.”
“I am a father to three adult kids ages 19, 19, and 23.”
“I am passionate about functional fitness.”

Learn more about Anthony and his tie dye business below:

Tell us about your personal wellness journey. What led you to where you are now?

“In 2014, I practiced Ashtanga in a traditional Mysore program when I was in Arlington, Virginia for about 18 months. In 2016 we moved to Waterford, Michigan. I taught spin and boot camps with Studio 8 Fitness and coached track at Waterford Mott.

Yoga and fitness helped me find my center and mental clarity. When I was deployed in 2021, my unit did a morale event (tie dye) and I fell in love with the creative art and have not looked back since. During that deployment, I came from super novice, to hosting 100 people at an on-base tie dye event.”

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

“I was wearing an orange tie dye shirt. I had someone literally buy the shirt off my back. The process and work just excites me with every item I make. Now I get to share it with others.”

How did you start your business?

“With a goal to retire from the Army and sell tie dye.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“No. Learning is part of the journey and everything has helped me get to this point. I will say, I have met many people who have helped me along the way and the tie dye community is very supportive of each other.”

What is the best business advice you've ever been given?

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Barefoot and Free was my first actual event as a vendor two years ago. I was terrified, and barely knew how to set up my tent.”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“Realism. I know I sell a ‘want’ item. This means, nothing I sell is needed by anyone. This is such a humbling perspective. I started this business with a six year plan, to build a business that is self sustaining so I can retire, into something that will allow me to have creative freedom and happiness when I leave the Army.”