Custom Styles is your trusted source for high-quality promotional products and custom apparel. As the sister company to Student Styles by Smith—serving the Capital Region with uniforms for over 25 years—we bring that same commitment to excellence to businesses, teams, and organizations of all kinds.
Founded in 2016 as Premium Exposure, we’ve grown into a full-service provider offering in-house screen printing, embroidery, and a wide range of branded merchandise. We’re proud to be a certified WMBE (women-owned) business that’s big enough to handle your needs, but small enough to offer a personal touch.
Whether you're outfitting a team, launching a fundraiser, or building your brand, Custom Styles is here to help you stand out.!
Christi & Kevin Smith
Founders & CEOs
Founders of Student Styles and Custom Styles
Christi and Kevin Smith are the husband-and-wife team who started it all. In 2000, Christi founded Student Styles when the local school uniform provider closed — and with three young children in school, she saw an immediate need to keep families outfitted with quality, affordable uniforms. Her entrepreneurial spirit, paired with Kevin’s industry experience, laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving, family-run business.
Kevin, who began his career in promotional products in 1989 with his own pen company, Smith Industries, brought decades of experience in screen printing and branded merchandise. Together, the two expanded from school uniforms into full-service promotional products, launching what is now Custom Styles in 2016.
In 2017, Kevin was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, Kevin and Christi have begun stepping back from the business and passing the reins to their daughters, Jen and Alex — continuing the legacy of a multigenerational, women- and family-owned company. Supporting Alzheimer’s-related causes remains a core mission for the family and business alike.
Alexandra (Smith) Carman
Vice President & Operations Director
As Vice President and Operations Director of Custom Styles, Alexandra Carman brings a lifetime of hands-on experience and leadership to the business. The youngest daughter of founders Kevin and Christi Smith, Alex quite literally grew up at Student Styles — often getting dropped off at the shop after school to help out. Her early exposure to the business gave her a deep understanding of the industry from the ground up.
With over 20 years of experience in the field and more than a decade in management, Alex is a natural businesswoman known for her steady leadership, operational expertise, and sharp problem-solving skills. She now oversees daily operations for both Custom Styles and Student Styles, ensuring every process runs smoothly — from the retail floor to back-end logistics.
In 2024, Alex and her sister Jen officially stepped into leadership as their parents began to transition out of day-to-day roles. The two are proud to carry on the family legacy while continuing to grow and evolve the business.
Most recently, Alex celebrated another exciting milestone — she married her husband, Alec, in October 2024.
Jennifer (Smith) Wade
Vice President & Lead Sales Director
Jennifer Wade is the Vice President and Lead Sales Director for Custom Styles, carrying on her family’s legacy with a vibrant and energetic approach to business. With over a decade of experience in promotional product sales and marketing, Jen combines deep industry knowledge with a genuine passion for helping clients bring their brands to life.
After graduating from Siena College, Jen began her career in advertising, working for agencies in both New York City and Stamford, CT. She officially joined the family business in 2010 and has since built an impressive client base through her outgoing personality, tireless work ethic, and ability to forge lasting relationships.
Known for her vivacious attitude and bubbly energy, Jen leads with heart and hustle — and always with the customer in mind. She’s also a proud mom of three young girls who she hopes will one day carry on the family tradition.
Greg Stamas
Store Manager & Director of Marketing
Greg Stamas is the Store Manager and Director of Marketing for Custom Styles, working closely alongside Jen to grow the company’s promotional product division. Since joining the team in 2017, Greg has brought fresh energy, strategic insight, and a forward-thinking approach to both operations and branding.
A graduate of the University at Albany, Greg earned his degree in Management with Honors and has since gained well-rounded experience in sales, marketing, public relations, and business operations. Known for his hardworking attitude, creativity, and vibrant personality, Greg plays a key role in shaping how Custom Styles and Student Styles connects with its customers and community.
Kelli Perniciario
Sales & Store Manager
Kelli Perniciario serves as Sales and Store Manager at Student Styles, bringing decades of retail experience and community connection to the team. Since joining the company in 2009, Kelli has played a key role in day-to-day operations, customer service, and retail management — with over 10 years in a leadership role.
Known for her warm, approachable nature and deep ties to the local community, Kelli has become a familiar and trusted face for many longtime customers. Her strong relationships and people-first mindset help create the friendly, dependable experience Student Styles is known for.
Outside of work, Kelli is a proud mom to four grown sons and brings the same care and energy she’s known for at home into everything she does on the job.
Margaret Bondi
Head of Art Department
Margaret “Maggie” Bondi leads the Art Department at Custom Styles, bringing decades of creative experience and a lifelong love for design. With a background in photography, art, and graphic design, Maggie has been creating custom work for local sports teams and organizations across the Capital Region for years.
Though she’s retired from a long career in State service, Maggie couldn’t stay away from doing what she loves. Since joining Student Styles, she’s found a perfect second act—combining her passion for creativity with the fast-paced, hands-on world of branded apparel and promotional design.
Whether she’s working on a team logo or designing custom gear for a school fundraiser, Maggie brings care, detail, and artistic vision to every project.
Joshua Lukavitz
Screen Printer & Heat Press Specialist
Joshua Lukavitz brings over a decade of hands-on experience in the screen printing and design industry to Custom Styles. As a U.S. Veteran and seasoned production expert, Josh has worked in a variety of print shops and apparel facilities, honing his craft and developing a deep knowledge of printing techniques, materials, and processes.
His passion for the work is evident in every detail — from perfectly pressed uniforms to vibrant, high-quality prints. Josh takes pride in getting the job done right and is known for his reliability, precision, and team-focused attitude.
At Custom Styles, he plays a vital role in keeping production running smoothly and delivering results that stand out.
Teresa Briscoe
Head Embroiderer
Teresa Briscoe is a true expert in her craft. As Head Embroiderer at Custom Styles, she brings over 20 years of experience in apparel decoration, including more than a decade in the sign industry, and a rare level of precision, artistry, and attention to detail.
Teresa has a gift for embroidery work that stands out. With a keen eye and deep understanding of both design and customer needs, she consistently transforms concepts into beautifully stitched, high-impact pieces. Her passion for the work and her ability to bring client visions to life make her an invaluable part of the production team.
Outside the shop, Teresa is a proud mom of two boys and brings the same heart and care to her work as she does to her family.