Life & Work with Kerrie Mallory-Thompson of Surprise

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerrie Mallory-Thompson.

Hi Kerrie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Several years ago, Pamela (affectionately known as Thelma) became my son’s ABA therapist. What started as a professional relationship quickly grew into a genuine friendship. A few years later, Pamela moved to California, and as the miles between us grew, so did the cost of our back-and-forth visits. To help cover the travel expenses and give us a reason to stay connected, we decided to start a small side business together.

What began as a fun way to fund gas money and mini getaways soon evolved into something much more meaningful. My son took an interest in what we were making and began creating his own items. We turned this into a motivational tool, he could earn time in the workshop as a reward for completing his therapy goals. Watching his excitement as he learned new skills and took pride in his creations was truly inspiring.

That moment sparked the idea for our Empowered Prints Internship Program, a job-skills training initiative designed to teach adults on the autism spectrum how to create custom products such as t-shirts, drinkware, signage, and personalized gifts. What started as a simple idea between two friends has grown into a mission-driven program that builds confidence, independence, and opportunity, one creation at a time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a small business is never a smooth road, there are always bumps along the way. For us, those bumps came in the form of time and balance. Finding space to grow our business while managing full-time careers has been one of our biggest challenges. Pamela works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and I serve as a graphic designer in a marketing department for one of the top wide format printing manufactures. On top of that, we’re both full-time moms with kids deeply involved in school and sports. Add in my volunteer commitments as a former PTA President and current President of the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. It sometimes feels like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. If only we could find a way to add time to the clock!

Funding has been another hurdle. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced financial constraints, but we’ve chosen to grow the hard way: without taking out a single loan. Every piece of equipment, every tool, and every product we’ve created over the past six years has been funded from our own pockets and built with our own blood, sweat, and tears. What we lack in capital, we make up for in determination, creativity, and heart.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At ThelmaLou Creations, LLC, we pride ourselves on being anything but ordinary. Sure, we can make the classic t-shirt or the everyday tumbler, but why stop there? What truly sets us apart is our ability to dig deeper and collaborate closely with our customers to bring their ideas to life.

Creativity and connection are at the heart of everything we do. I’ve always had a knack for understanding people, listening to what they’re envisioning and transforming those thoughts into art. Every custom project begins with a detailed mock-up, allowing our customers to see their concept take shape before it ever goes into production. Once they see their vision come to life on screen, nine times out of ten, it’s a done deal, we’ve earned not only their business, but their trust.

Unlike many in our industry, we don’t just take orders; we build relationships. Each collaboration is a shared creative journey, and that personal touch is what makes ThelmaLou Creations, LLC truly unique.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success isn’t just about financial gain or business growth. It’s about alignment. When our work, our values, and our impact all connect. It’s being able to look back and say, “I made a difference, and I stayed true to myself while doing it.”

In business, success can be measured in milestones such as launching a new product, expanding our reach and gaining new customers, or seeing our brand make an impact in our community. But the deeper measure is sustainability: building something that grows steadily, creates opportunities for others, and reflects the integrity behind it.

True success often shows up in quieter ways, like in the lives we touch, the people we empower, and the legacy we are building. Watching an Empowered Prints intern or employee gain confidence, seeing a customer’s idea come to life, or knowing that our work supports a greater mission.

In short, success is the balance between purpose and progress, when your passion uplifts others, and your work becomes a reflection of who you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelmaloucreations.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelmaloucreations
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelmaloucreations/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/thelmalou-creations
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelma2mylouise
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelmaloucreations
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/thelmalou-creations-surprise-2