Made in Belize: Tec Tees and Rossy’s Shoes Takes the Spotlight
When we think of made in Belize products, our thoughts may instantly go to Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods Limited or Belikin Beer. But did you know that high quality garments, like t-shirts, as well as premium footwear are being made right here in Belize? On tonight’s edition of Belize on Reel, we will be taking a closer look at two outstanding Belizean products. The first is from Tec Tees, a t-shirt company that produces “tees with technology”. Secondly, we will be talking with the owner of Rossy’s Shoes, a shoe manufacturing business that produces stylish and affordable women and men dress shoes. We will seek to learn all we can about these growing businesses and the brilliant entrepreneurs behind them. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Our search for Tec Tees took us to Ranchito Village in the Corozal District where Leo and Elsi Zetina have their t-shirt factory. It is a small operation with a staff of four; Leo is the husband and Elsi is the wife. Her sister, Astrid, and their cousin, Leti, are employed by the couple.
Leo Zetina
Leo Zetina, Owner, Tec Tees
“Pretty much COVID was the drive behind it to find something locally. Because, we saw that in Belize all shirts were made in Mexico, made in Guatemala, made in China, but nothing were made in Belize. And then I have some other colleagues that are in the printing business but all of them import shirts and I asked them, if I was to manufacture shirts would you purchase and they were like really? I said yeah.”
With Elsi’s skills as a seamstress and Leo’s expertise in graphic design and animation, they began to grow the business and soon needed to purchase additional equipment and hire more staff. When Elsi graduated high school many years ago, her parents could not afford tertiary education. So, she had to learn a trade. She began sewing.
Elsi Zetina
Elsi Zetina, Owner, Tec Tees
“At station one, Astrid begins to cut the cloth with the patterns then when she finish she goes to my right Leti begins to sew the shoulders, the sleeves and then it goes to station three where it is my area, where I do the finishing of the hemming of the sleeves, the color and the finishing of the hemming. Then, I proceed to go to the fourth station where I put the stitching cap.”
And, what set these t-shirts apart are their features. The fabrics being used are eco-friendly, dri-fit, antibacterial, and UPF- 50 +, an excellent UPF rating. The fabric is shipped from Mexico.
Leo Zetina
“I always saw that people were into Colombia shirts and all of these main competitors and so we wanted to provide something with the same quality, something locally done, but something more cost effective. So, looking into what we want to produce and supply we wanted to get technology behind a shirt, not just a t-shirt, because it is easy to manufacture a t-shirt. We wanted to provide more than a t-shirt, a whole technology behind. So, hence the name Tec Tees, Tees with Technology. If you looking to compete with the large enterprise, well known brands, it is mind bothering and you would be discouraged to start a venture. But, I think it is all about a mind set and believing in what you are able to do. And one of my teacher once said, the only silly idea, or let me rephrase that, no business idea is silly, the only thing that is silly is you for not believing in what you can do. Yes we have a humble beginning but that is like the beauty of a business, a baby you can nurture.”
Since its launch, Tec Tees has produced and sold more than three thousand t-shirts. Its clients include schools, private companies, sports teams, and the ordinary Belizeans looking to purchase high quality, made in Belize products. The couple is hoping to expand the workshop and hire more employees in the near future to meet growing demands.
Leo Zetina
“I would like to say to young women that they need to believe in them. The talent is a gift of god and we need to be more creative, because if we believe in us we could do miracles.”
From the manufacture of tech t-shirts to the fashion statement being made by Rossy Bran, the owner of Rossy’s Shoes. A resident of San Ignacio, Rossy began making shoes inside her home back in May of this year. Her mother is a nurse and was the sole bread winner of the home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This inspired Rossy to start designing and creating shoes as a means of making ends meet.
Rossy Bran
Rossy Bran, Owner, Rossy’s Shoes
“First we do have to make molds to cut out the pieces then we cut it out with the blade and then it goes to the sewing machine which I have here. It is an industrial sewing machine so it can go through the leather when I am making men’s work boots. Then we can go to putting the pieces together. Then we have to put it on a last. In order to get it for the boots, we need to make it smooth. That is when we go and stick the sole to the machine.”
Rossy’s Shoes has caught the attention of Belizeans across the nation. Many are of the view that the quality of her products surpasses that of the leather and synthetic shoes imported into Belize. Over the last six months, Rossy has been able to sell more than two hundred and fifty shoes.
Rossy Bran
“Yes they say that they last long. They are surprised that they could wet it and it doesn’t fall off. They have been really satisfied with it and I have been really happy about. My product I try to get the best material I could get, even in synthetic so they would not peel. The soles even, I make them comfortable, even the insole here. I choose out the lining as well to put here. For the leather I also make sure it is the best leather to make a comfortable shoe, so that it would last long.”
She now employs her father and her brother in her shoe making business. This young entrepreneur dreams of one day exporting her products into Guatemala and Mexico. Rossy also envisions owning a workshop away from where she resides.
Rossy Bran
“Never give up, even if something is really hard and you feel like giving, don’t give up, it gets better.”
So whether it is making tees with technology or designing and manufacturing shoes, we have found that Made in Belize and outstanding products are synonymous. These entrepreneurs display courage to dream and the will succeed. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
