Via Rutkowski 
In the world of fashion, things have always moved quickly. Today, in a scene where the masses shop from generic Amazon storefronts, the art of customization has never been more important for those looking to stand out in a crowd. And to locals’ delight, Cantu Custom Embroidery LLC focuses on just that through private events, custom orders, and a pop-up embroidery truck that appears along the Hoboken Waterfront every Saturday. Keep reading to learn more about CCE Embroidery and the husband-and-wife duo bringing a touch of personalization to Hoboken and beyond.
How it Started
The warm and welcoming husband and wife team of Gladys and Edgar Cantu are the hands behind Cantu Custom Embroidery LLC. Gladys, who has a background in digitizing through a course at Hatch Academy by Wilcom, spearheaded the idea of CCE about two years ago. Throughout this experience, Gladys told The Hoboken Girl that her countless hours of practice within these courses helped her improve dramatically over time as the quality of her designs kept growing.
Soon, she began taking client orders from her converted home studio in Hardyston, New Jersey. Now, custom embroidery is Gladys’ full-time job, balancing custom client orders, private events, and pop-ups throughout the Tri-State area. Edgar lovingly credited and gave accolades to his wife Gladys for their success. he said that she is the mastermind behind it all, but patrons can always spot Edgar nearby lending a helping hand, setting up for events, helping the flow of customers during busy weekend events, and greeting customers with warmth. Together, they make up the team at CCE.
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Gladys told HG that it makes her “so happy to know that people welcome and accept this new concept”, adding, “My favorite part? Definitely the community! The love and support of new ideas that help us grow, and that’s why everywhere I go, I set the bar high for this great community, the Hoboken community!”
Customization + Events
Locals can catch CCE every weekend at Pier A in Hoboken along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. The CCE mobile truck announces its pop-up updates via Instagram but is typically set up from 12PM to 6PM on Saturdays (or Sundays), depending on weather. The truck, which often has a line of eager locals, is equipped to add customizations to customers’ personal items or items purchased on the truck, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, totes, and makeup bags.
When it comes to customization, there is no job too big or small for Gladys. She said she can embroider almost anything with her expert eye, noting for customers she simply tells them, “Just bring it and I’ll let you know if I can or can’t do it.” Embroidery prices vary depending on size and complexity, so to get a proper estimate, it’s best to have Gladys take a look.
While most embroideries happen live, those that will take some extra time can be picked up within a short timeframe, later that same day.
Aside from CCE’s pop-up truck in Hoboken, Gladys and Edgar can be seen at various events around town. Whether it’s retail events, clubs, openings, or private parties, there are plenty of chances to experience CCE’s spot-on personalization. In the past, CCE has done on-site embroidery events at Neiman Marcus, Jane Do, 718 Beauty Bar, Chelsea Boutique, and Four Paws Annex. Locals can also book personal on-site events for things like baby showers, birthdays, bachelorettes, and pretty much any celebration you can dream of.
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Be sure to follow along with @ccellc on Instagram for future pop-ups and to catch its mobile embroidery studio along the Hoboken Waterfront.
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