Corbin opens tie dye shop in downtown Ritzville

The inside of one of the buildings in downtown Ritzville has become a little more colorful.

Dona Corbin opened Express Yourself Tye Dye and More on the corner of Division and Main streets two weeks ago.

The business is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Corbin, who previously lived in Ritzville, returned to the community after 40 years.

During her time away from the city, Corbin spent 33 years in Alaska where her husband worked as a civil engineer.

The two got tired of the snow and moved to Oregon, where she said it was “too cold” then departed to Nevada, where it was too hot, before returning to Washington.

“We said let’s move back to Ritzville,” Corbin said. “We liked it here, it’s a small community.”

Corbin said business has been good for her so far. Most of her sales have come through Facebook and word of mouth.

She carries T-shirt sizes up to 6XL, something she did not do when she first opened the store. It was not until more customers requested larger sizes that she expanded her stock.

In addition to shirts, Corbin can tie dye infant clothes, muscle shirts, skirts and dresses. There are new items added weekly.

Corbin makes all of her designs in the back of the store. She applies soap to the shirts to make the dye last longer and uses eco-friendly dye.

After Corbin ties the shirts, she will pour in the dye, set out the shirts for 18-24 hours, and then rinse them. She is currently trying different designs and will take orders from customers as they come in.

“The designs never turn out the same no matter what you do, but you can pick the colors,” Corbin said.

Corbin is making blue and green shirts for Seattle Seahawks fans. She is also hoping to design shirts in the color scheme of Lind-Ritzville High School Broncos.

She has had bowlers, members from a triathlon and a resort owner approach her about designing shirts. Corbin also has a T-shirt press where she can transfer logos onto clothes.

The majority of items in the store are tie dye clothes, however Corbin has scarves and towel sets for sale, which she also made herself.

She is hoping to expand her merchandise in the coming weeks, such as having flavored popcorn customers can purchase.

She is also interested in featuring items from other vendors, including jewelry, embroidered booties and scented candles.

Corbin is also hoping to make some alterations to the building.

Currently there are tie dye clothes on display on the walls and a picture that reads, “Of all the things you wear, a smile is the most fashionable.”

Corbin said she has to have city approval before she can place a proper sign on the windows.

For Corbin, tie dying clothes has always been a hobby.

She previously owned a shirt store in Alaska. She showcased her designs at art shows and local events, including Art in the Park in May.

It was at those events where people kept suggesting she open a shop.

“This has always been a passion of mine,” Corbin said.

Express Yourself Tye Dye and More is located at 101 West Main Avenue.