Starting a small clothing brand business
What's better than a good t-shirt that you can throw over your head but make heads turn? A t-shirt with a fire graphic head shot on it and a memorable celebrity quote. According to Grand View Research, the global custom t-shirt printing market is expected to be worth over $9 billion buckaroos. This small t-shirt business might just be one of the best, biggest and fastest entries into the booming fashion industry and financial success.
We interviewed a black owned young clothing brand CEO who's embedding his niche in the fashion industry. Joman's trendy, minimalistic graphic headshot designs are turning heads in all directions.
These graphic tees are making their mark in the fashion industry. I sat with this very young, intelligent, man to gain some insight for others who share the same business mindset as him.
Business inspiration?
"When I first got the idea to design my own tee shirts, I didn't expect Shareef Oneal to comment 'let me get that first one gang' followed by a laughing emoji, under the Shaq shirt. I know what I wanted to do and studied the ins and outs of it for a whole year. When I launched, everyone I knew was shocked because I told no one. I wanted this to attract authentic sales from people who admired the brand. That improved my algorithm on social media platforms. I wasn't interested in ego-striking compliments from friends and family. I bought them on board afterwards. I think that was the wisest decision I made for my small business." - Joman Clothing CEO
12 Steps to start a t-shirt business
1. Pick a niche
2. Build your online store
3. Research and find the (POD) print on demand manufacturer service
4. Create and design your product using the best editing app to suit your needs.
5. Request and Purchase samples from your (POD) manufacturer (Do not settle for mid, mediocre quality. If the sample isn't high-quality, explore other manufacturers. this is your brand and your craft. You have one first impression. Make it a lasting one.)
6. Use social media platforms to gather feedback on your designs
7. Select your printing technique
8. Manage your inventory
9. Calculate your costs
10. Set your price
11. Build your brand
12. Scale your business
The Challenges
"I faced a few struggles while trying to build my brand. The main issue was trying to get the right (POD) samples. I requested and purchased my first samples, and they were low-quality trash. The few family members who knew what I was doing tried to encourage me to settle for it because customers needed their orders. Since I offered pre-order, my customers already knew it would be a few weeks, even months, before receiving their orders. Finally, I was blessed to hire a (POD) manufacturer who offered me the highest-print quality they had. That's why I'd encourage anyone on this path to be patient and do not settle for mid, mediocre quality. Low-quality anything can put you out of business before you get a fair chance. When word gets around that your product is trash, you risk losing potential customers." - Joman Clothing CEO
The Successes
"Other than around branding my business at 17 years young, orders are fluent and in order for future success. On top of that, my family and friends support me and I'm grateful to God for the gift, vision, wisdom and guidance. I'm also grateful for the new clients I gain through TikTok (Bapaddict) and on InstaGram (JomanClothing) " - Joman Clothing CEO
What celebrity or notable figure would you rock on a JOMAN t-shirt? Comment to let us know.
Comments