Our Story
From a Home Hobby to a Community Brand
Urban Valley Tees began in 2014 with a simple idea, a lot of determination, and countless hours of learning. What started as a kitchen table hobby quickly became a passion. With plenty of trial and error, countless hours of learning, and a commitment to always improving, Urban Valley Tees grew one project at a time. Today, we're proud to be an award-winning small business serving customers across Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia.
From sports teams and schools to businesses, clubs, fundraisers, and community organizations, we've had the privilege of creating apparel that brings people together. One of the things we're most proud of is that the majority of our business comes through referrals. Our customers continue to recommend us to their friends, teammates, coworkers, and families—a reflection of the relationships we've built and the trust we've earned over the years. While our equipment and capabilities have grown, one thing has never changed: every order receives the same personal attention and care as the very first shirt we printed back in 2014.
Meet the Team
Behind every custom jersey, hoodie, team order, and printed T-shirt is a group of people who genuinely love what they do.
We're proud to be a locally owned family business, and we're grateful for every customer who trusts us with their ideas.
Whether we're helping you at a mobile event, creating your next team uniform, designing custom apparel, or answering your questions online, our goal is always the same—make the process easy, enjoyable, and deliver something you'll be proud to wear.
We can't wait to meet you!
The faces behind Urban Valley Tees
Lisa Duncan-Reda
Owner / Creative Director
Meet Lisa
I'm the owner, designer, problem solver, and often the person answering your emails, creating your mockups, packing your orders, and celebrating with you when your finished apparel is ready. What started as a hobby at my kitchen table has grown into an award-winning small business that's trusted by teams, schools, businesses, clubs, and organizations across British Columbia.
One of my favourite parts of this business is getting to know the people behind every order. Whether it's helping a coach design uniforms for a new season, creating apparel for a local business, or supporting a community fundraiser, I love being part of projects that bring people together. I believe ordering custom apparel shouldn't be confusing or overwhelming. My goal is to make the process simple, enjoyable, and collaborative. If you have a finished logo—great! If all you have is an idea scribbled on a piece of paper—that's great too. We'll figure it out together.
For years, most of my free time was spent at softball diamonds cheering on my daughter Ella throughout her incredible softball career. Now that she's graduated from university, I'm looking forward to a new adventure. One item at the very top of my bucket list? Seeing a Major League Baseball game in every MLB stadium.
(I'm keeping track... one stadium at a time.)
Ella Duncan-Reda
Social Media / Digital Marketing
Meet Ella
If you've followed Urban Valley Tees for a while, chances are you've already met Ella! She's been part of the business since 2014, helping at mobile events, connecting with customers, and creating much of the content you see on our social media.
This year marks an exciting milestone as Ella graduated with Honours in Criminology and Psychology and has begun her career in Ontario. Even from across the country, she continues to be an important part of the Urban Valley Tees team, managing our online advertising and social media.
When she's not working, you'll usually find her on a softball field. After playing the sport from the age of eight through university, Ella now gives back as the catching coach for the Windsor Wildcats U13 girls, helping young athletes build confidence, skills, and a love for the game.
We're incredibly proud of everything she's accomplished and can't wait to welcome her home for visits this summer.
Shannon Wirth
Merchandising & Gift Shop Specialist
Meet Shannon
Shannon joined the Urban Valley Tees team two years ago and quickly became an important part of our mobile event crew. With a great eye for displays and organization, she specializes in merchandising and keeps our gift shop looking fresh, inviting, and easy to shop. Whether she's helping customers find the perfect gift or making sure every display looks just right, Shannon brings creativity and attention to every event.
Outside of Urban Valley Tees, Shannon works as a Home & Community Care Nurse, where she spends her days caring for others with compassion and dedication. That same caring nature shines through whenever she's helping customers at our pop-up shops.
When she's not working, you'll almost always find Shannon at the baseball field cheering on her son. Between practices, games, and tournaments, baseball is a big part of family life, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
We're grateful to have Shannon's kindness, positive energy, and incredible work ethic as part of the Urban Valley Tees family.
Heather Horn
Shop Support / Mobile Events Specialist
Meet Heather
Heather has been a valued member of the Urban Valley Tees team since 2015 and has become one of the friendly faces you'll meet at our mobile pop-up shops. While we love teasing her about her less-than-perfect penmanship, there's no one better at helping customers find the right apparel. Heather has a natural gift for connecting with people, and literally everyone in town knows her. Whether she's helping someone choose the perfect size, answering questions about our products, or explaining our on-site printing process, she makes every customer feel welcome and appreciated.
When she's not with Urban Valley Tees, you'll often find Heather at Cowichan Links Bar & Grill, where she also works. At home, she and her husband, Don enjoy life on their beautiful 22-acre farm alongside their two dogs. Don grows sweet corn each summer, and come August, Heather can be found helping sell their fresh, locally grown corn—one of the highlights of the season.
We're lucky to have Heather's friendly personality, positive attitude, and genuine care for our customers as part of the Urban Valley Tees family.
Mike Duncan
Deliveries & Mobile Shop Set-up
Meet Mike
The "Not-So-Silent" Silent Partner
If you've ever wondered who keeps everything running behind the scenes, chances are you're looking for Mike.
As the not-so-silent silent partner at Urban Valley Tees, Mike is always tinkering with something. Whether it's a printer, embroidery machine, heat press, or the latest piece of equipment to arrive at the shop, he's determined to learn every nut, bolt, and button until it's running perfectly.
Mike is also our delivery guy for those extra-large orders that won't fit in the back seat. He loves saving customers the trip by personally delivering apparel throughout the Cowichan Valley and beyond.
You'll also find him behind the scenes at our live on-site printing events. While everyone else is sipping their morning Diet Coke (Lisa!), Mike has already unloaded the trailer, set up the equipment, run the power, and made sure everything is ready to go before the first customer even arrives.
When he's not at Urban Valley Tees, Mike has been a dedicated employee at Coastland Wood Industries for an incredible 38 years. In his spare time, you'll usually find him playing video games, practicing Tai Chi... or talking. And if you know Mike, you know he can talk!
We're incredibly lucky to have him as part of the Urban Valley Tees family—even if he occasionally reminds everyone that being outnumbered by the ladies in the shop isn't always easy!