Wheels of Change

Jolene Hamilton
Apr 12, 2017
3 min read

In the Spring of 2016 I made a life changing decision to start my own graphic apparel line that I would share with the world. I had the skill set I needed to handle everything myself, so how hard could it be? I would just set up an online store, get my social media game strong and sell shirts to my friends and followers. I would start small, with my $30 investment, and hopefully in a year I would begin to see growth, but I would be ready for it!

Looking back on it now I feel so naïve. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I sold my first graphic thread on July 1st, 2016 within minutes of opening my online store. By the time the next week had rolled around I had sold 45 more! I remember being so moved and touched by the support of friends and family, but panicking at the same time. I mean, I was still working through the glitches and uncertainty of being a first time entrepreneur and now I had all these wonderful people counting on me!

In the rear view mirror, I now see that I was forced to make some very big decisions out of pure need and desperation. Some of those decisions turned out, by the grace of God, to be the right ones but some of the BIG decisions I made did not work out for me in the long haul. The most significant mistake was choosing the wrong print company. One of the most important, and challenging, aspects of running a graphic apparel business is finding a good print production company that you can trust and works as hard as you do. At the end of the day, your wagon is hitched to theirs. If they neglect your orders, your customers feel neglected, and neglected customers likely will not return. I'm not one to rant about another company and slander their reputation, so they will go unnamed.

But, here I am 300+ caffeine fueled days later, learning from my mistakes, corrected those mistakes and gearing my wagon in a new direction. After countless hours of research, networking, conference calls and emails I am proud to announce that I have found exactly what I need in a print company. Print Aura offers everything I need in a print company- fast production times, great quality work, competitive prices and GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. They care about me like I care about you, and they have went above and beyond to make sure me and my customers are happy! #GodIsGood

If you have been on my pre-order fulfillment list, you'll be happy to know that you're days of waiting are over! This new company is working at record speed to get us caught up. You'll also be glad to know that the "Pre Order" days are O.V.E.R. My new designs can go straight from canvas to print on the same day! If you are one of my retailers, it will tickle you to know that your wait time has been cut in half! Most bulk orders will ship no later than 1.5 weeks after you place your order with me. No holds, no stress. #PrintAuraRules

So why do I feel the need to share this change with you? It's simple! For the last 10 months my customers have blessed me more than I can ever express! So, I feel like being open and transparent with you is the least I can do. Besides, if there are any budding graphic apparel designers among my readers, I want to share this challenge with you so you are better prepared than I was. Take time to ask questions and learn everything about a company before tying yourself and your reputation to them. Thank you all for your continued love and support, you all are so amazing! #IheartYou

Stay Wacky and don't drive while under the influence of panic!