Upstate School Spirit is Unique Business

Whether your student is an Easley Green Wave or an R.C. Edwards Middle School Panther, an Easley business has them covered.

Pickens Blue Flame?

Powdersville Patriot?

Liberty Red Devil?

Wren Hurricane?

Gettys Breaker?

Not a problem.

Upstate School Spirit has been open in Easley for about four weeks now, according to owner Anna Esuary.

The new physical location grew out of a catalog businesses Esuary has operated for the past two years, offering school spirit apparel and other items.

“Our first year's catalog started out with the four high schools in Pickens County, and the elementary and middle schools,” Esuary said. “Then in the second year, we included Wren and Powdersville High School.”

Her business began when parents and Parent Teacher Organization members told her they wanted “something different” to use to raise funds for their schools.

“They wanted to have something new and different, and they were also looking for spirit products,” Esuary said. “So I decided I would try it.”

Opening a physical store was always part of her business plan, Esuary said.

Her stock includes clothing, hats, bags, chairs, cups and bottles for fans of all the area schools.

In addition to items dedicated to the six area high schools in the Pickens County and Powdersville areas, Esuary said she wanted to offer items for local elementary and middle school students and parents as well.

“Those things are hard to find,” she said. “We have some things, T-shirts and some embroidered products, for elementary and middle schools.”

Popular items include T-shirts for girls, including “Easley Girl,” “Pickens Girl,” etc. and items incorporating the peace sign, such as “Peace, Love, Liberty Girl.”

“That's our hottest item as far as apparel goes,” Esuary goes. “We have a 'Girl' shirt for the six area high schools.”

Other popular items include area school key fobs decorated.

“One of the things I've very proud of is most everything in here is made by local people,” Esuary said. “Most everyone is from Pickens County. That was part of my business plan, to have a business where I could not only promote my business, but other people's businesses as well. I enjoy that. I'm very proud of that.”

Her store stands apart from other retailers in the area, she said.

“There's not a store like this in Pickens County at all, that carries all these schools products, and rolls in collegiate stuff, and has products made by local people,” Esuary said. “There's nothing like it around here.”

As the store grows, it will carry more girls sports items.

“One of the reasons I started this store is that it's hard for girls to find things related to their sports, like volleyball, softball, cheerleading, soccer,” Esuary said. “I want to make sure I carry those things, for girls looking for things like that.”

She also wants to carry items that have “positive messaging for girls.”

She also wants to carry more local school band items.

Upstate School Spirit also offers screenprinting and embroidery.

“We can do custom T-shirts, so if you need a shirt for your team, business or church, we can do that,” Esuary said. “We also do promotional products, if your business needs a pen or a water bottle to promote your business, or for giveaways, we do that as well.”

Esuary is offering some special thank-yous for her store's supporters. She gives wristbands to anyone who makes a purchase at her store.

And if you're social media-savvy, you can earn another gift. Come into Upstate School Spirit, like the store on Facebook using your phone while you're there, and you'll receive a free sunglasses strap.

Find the latest deals and store news on Upstate School Spirit's website and Facebook page.

Upstate School Spirit is open 10am-6pm Tuesday through Friday and 10am – 2pm on Saturdays and is located at 1035 South Pendleton Street, Suite B.

“We'll have extended hours during the holidays,” Esuary said.