Local small business recognized by the state as a “rock star”

SWAINSBORO, Ga. (WJBF)- They say that small businesses are the heartbeat to America’s economy, and one small business in Swainsboro is a shining example.

Seeds II Seams is a small business in Emanuel County that makes the most sustainably produced T-shirt sold in the United States.

It’s a division of America Knits–which was founded in 2019–but Seeds II Seams has only been around for the last year.

But now employees are celebrating a milestone achievement, as the state has recognized them as a “Small Business Rock Star”.

“This award is amazing,” said America Knits President, Steve Hawkins. “For a new brand, you know up and coming, to be able to receive a Rock Star Award–obviously a Rock Star Award is a very trendy sounding, brandish kind of slogan for an award from the state. So, we’re extremely humbled, and thankful at the same time.”

Every year in honor of Georgia Small Business Week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) partner together to present a few small businesses with the award.

Each winner must have fewer than 300 employees, make a positive impact in their community, and were founded in the state of Georgia.

Hawkins says the business has just 53 employees, and like many small businesses they know the grind all too well.

“When you’re running a factory, you know it’s a full time job. Then when you go out and try to start a brand, get on the photo shoots, and get on the promotion side of things, it definitely gets very busy,” Hawkins said.

Employees we spoke to say it’s not only a great feeling, but it means the world.

“It feels good that we have had our hands on these, and now we’re getting recognized for our hard work. So it feels really good,” said Alicia Snell.

“It means a lot to be recognized by the community and others to see the work that we’ve put in. Here in a small town, you come in and you never know what others may see, but once you get recognized it’s like ‘it’s only up from here,” said Jessica Holmes.

“This means a lot to this community, and to myself to have seen all the growth and different avenues that America Knits has taken–especially with the name brand. Just to be recognized, and for our community–the things it’s  going to do for our community and has done–it’s just a great accomplishment,” said Sandra Crooms.

Employees also say by earning this award, “anything is possible” for other small businesses around the CSRA.

Hawkins says it also gives their small business recognition on the state and national levels.

“I think it’s encouraging, because it gives us the opportunity to be seen on a statewide level,” Hawkins said. “That’s a level that we as a small business could never afford–that type of visibility. The state of Georgia has been open arms since we started in 2019, so to be able to get this visibility statewide is a dream come true.”

NewsChannel 6’s Jennie Montgomery did a recent special report on the small business, which you can find by clicking here .

To find Seed II Seams website, click here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.