Photo courtesy Catilyn Davis
On Oct. 17, 2017, By Cait The Great was started by female entrepreneur and FAMU aluma Caitlyn Davis.
Davis had always had an interest in creating shirts but did not know how it would begin.
It was not until Davis received a lot of interactions and likes from a photo she posted on Instagram of her in a swimsuit that read “FAMU 1887.”
After she received the high number of “likes” for her photo and the influx of inquiries, Davis decided to begin her handmade HBCU apparel company.
This clothing line incorporates black excellence with an African feel with the inclusion of authentic Kente cloth on a majority of her clothing.
By Cait The Great provides HBCU crewnecks, sweatshirts, shirts and hoodies. Although Davis incorporates other HBCUs as part of her company, she would like to leave FAMU as the high point of the company.
“Ultimately, I want to continue to highlight HBCUs around the world, especially the campus of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University,” Davis said.
Her dedication to her company derives from her dreams and aspirations of one day being able to live freely and wanting to work on only what she is passionate about.
“Entrepreneurship is not always peaches and cream. I have taken some losses in this process but I remind myself of the journey to financial freedom and generational wealth for my family,” said Davis.
Dominique Dawson, Davis’ close friend, spoke about the passion and hard work that Davis has for her company.
“She is extremely dedicated to her brand. I’ve literally watched her start from the ground up; from losing sleep to missing out on events, By Cait The Great is more than an Instagram name, it is a lifestyle,” Dawson said.
Davis continues to create clothing but has also expanded her business by creating a cosmetic line where she sells eyelashes.
Asia Hughes, Davis’ assistant and manager, has watched her grow with the company in a number of ways.
“One thing that has really grown is her will and drive to go harder. She’s always thinking and looking for ways to diversify and expand,” Hughes said.
She believes that the only way to get your business to the next level is to work 24 hours a day and eight days a week on your craft.