Valerie began designing and making apparel designs with vinyl graphics and making her first dollar in 2016, and she became a full-time entity in 2017 with the name Sweat Shop by Val. Starting out in a small space in her home, owner Valerie Howe quickly outgrew the space and moved next door in her garage apartment. She then acquired Showstopper Graphics in Nutter Fort in June of 2025. The new shop is now located at 619 Mulberry Avenue and a permanent home was formed.

Specializing in signs and apparel the merger of the Sweat Shop by Val and Showstopper has a combined of over 25 years serving customers throughout WV and look forward to the future.

Owner Valerie Martino Howe is a Clarksburg native and graduate of Fairmont State University. She’s a proud mother of three and wife of Martin Howe.