Connect
To Top

Life & Work with Kim Whitman of Hutto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Whitman.

Hi Kim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Procraftination started as a fun creative outlet, something I worked on in my spare time while juggling everyday life. Before I knew it, friends and neighbors began asking for custom pieces, and those small, personal projects quickly turned into something bigger.
As the requests grew, so did my vision. I found myself drawn to creating apparel and gifts for schools, teams, fundraisers, and local events. I wanted pieces that carried school spirit, local pride, and a personal touch. I focused on doing things the right way: quality work, clear communication, and designs that actually mean something to the people wearing or gifting them.
What began as a side project at home eventually grew into a brick-and-mortar shop, giving me the space to create, connect, and give back to the community that made it all possible.
Today, Procraftination is more than just a store. It’s where creativity meets community, and I’m proud to build something that helps people celebrate the moments that matter most.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. It’s been a constant learning process. In the beginning, I tried to do everything myself, which led to more than a few mistakes and some serious burnout. One of the biggest lessons I learned was knowing what to outsource and when, and realizing that doing everything on my own just wasn’t sustainable.

Pricing was another challenge. I wanted Procraftination to stay affordable and accessible for families, schools, and community groups, while also making sure the business could grow, reinvest, and stay healthy long-term. Finding that balance took time, plenty of trial and error, and a lot of fine-tuning.
On top of that, balancing family life with a growing business, setting boundaries, and taking on the financial risks that come with scaling were all very real challenges. Every misstep taught me something, and those lessons helped me build stronger systems and run Procraftination in a more intentional and sustainable way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Procraftination, I create custom apparel and gifts rooted in school spirit, local pride, and community events. I specialize in personalized, small-batch designs while also handling bulk orders for schools, teams, and organizations. From spirit wear and fundraiser shirts to teacher appreciation pieces and custom gifts, everything I design puts a boutique-style twist on traditional spirit wear.

In addition, the shop features a t-shirt bar concept that allows customers to create pieces in real time—choosing their apparel and design for a truly personalized experience. It’s popular with all ages and gives people the flexibility to create something unique or customize a style they already love.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my community has placed in me. Customers come back because they know I care about quality, clear communication, and meeting timelines, and because I truly understand the moments these items are created for. Being closely connected to local schools and local events allows me to design with intention instead of guesswork.
What sets Procraftination apart is the balance I strike between flexibility and a personal, hands-on approach. Whether it’s a large group order or a one-of-a-kind custom request, I stay involved every step of the way, focused on creating pieces that feel current, meaningful, and well made. That mix of community connection, trend awareness, and attention to detail is what I’m known for.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
A lot of what’s helped me the most has come from conversations with other small business owners. I’m lucky to have friends and peers who are open about what’s worked for them, what hasn’t, and the lessons they learned the hard way. That kind of honest advice has been invaluable, especially when it comes to growth, pricing, and knowing when it’s time to change or refine systems.

Many of the books I’ve read have come straight from their recommendations, which means the advice is practical and relevant instead of generic. Learning from people who are actively in the trenches has helped me make better decisions and feel less alone in the process. That shared knowledge and support has become one of my most important resources, both professionally and personally.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Sydney Spence

Suggest a Story: VoyageAustin is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories