EMAIL FROM THE DETERMINED
Every so often, we receive emails from people praising us. 'THANK YOU!' And more often than not, those same folks come to us for advice on starting their own apparel brand. Today, in our questions@bastardandfriends.com inbox was an email from a person by the name of Amber asking for guidance with her up and coming brand (see email below). Rather than responding to her via email, I thought I'd switch it up and respond on our blog. My response is in red below her email.
'Subject: advice please :-)
Hi bastard and friends,
My name is amber and me and my boyfriend want to start a t-shirt line. I really dig the company and have seen your brand on various youtube peoples videos. I live in massachusetts outside the boston area and have seen people wearing the clothes. I think it's so cool and very unique. We love the website and the don't be a bastard message!!! :-) The videos are also entertaining. I honestly have not come across a company like bastard and friends. Very cool! Would you able able to give me and my boyfriend advice about starting a t-shirt line since it looks like you guys have your stuff together? Thanks bastard and friends keep up the good work!!! :-) Your blog is our daily newspaper!!!!!! :-) sorry for the rambling. I'll be sure to place an order soon. My bf needs that trucker hat!
xxAmber'
Amber,
First off 'THANK YOU' for your kind and generous words! A good majority of our customers are actually out of the Boston area as a matter of fact. Everyone from Mass. are Awesome! We get a lot of love from that side of the country. Anyhow, I admire those that have the drive and vision to be able to start something that they can call 'their own.' It's tough and challenging, to say the least. Especially, during these difficult economic times. As you have experienced already, if not will be, anytime you decide to take the entrepreneur route you'll soon realize that it's more than just passion and the desire that will get you from point A to point B. Although, those are important factors, it takes a lot of energy. And lots of it I might add and sacrifices. Also, understand that there are no shortcuts whatsoever. Just like school, you need to constantly do your homework; make an agenda. Setup goals and objectives and make sure you put deadlines next to each and every one. Be very personable! Networking is key. You'll learn a lot from people who are actually doing it. Surround yourself with those that are in the same industry. I truly believe that the people you hang around with now, will dictate what your future will be like in the next 5 years. Books/magazines/forums etc..are also good to absorb, but interacting with key people will provide you a much more solid foundation. Having deep pockets is also good. By that I mean, you're going to hit road blocks where money is a deciding factor. Make sure that not only you're able to fund your start-up, but also ensure you have the capability to make purchases after you launch. Nobody wants to see a company that does things 1/2 ass. Nor, do they want to see a brand that will only sustain a 1-2 year duration. Moreover, think outside of the box. Don't be afraid to be creative and do things your way. When the industry goes left, you go right. More importantly, make sure you know and understand your demographic! Interestingly, I always here people tell me that their brand caters to everyone. Bull Shit! No it doesn't. It's sad, but that seems to be the blanket/general statement people say about their brand. Another thing that people tend to forget is the marketing aspect. The days of just marketing on myspace and other social community sites, IMHO are gone. Discover alternative avenues; hit the streets; network and attend trade shows; sponsor events, if you can etc. There's also various ways you can market with very little money. But, creativity is key. Further, aim towards not only be a t-shirt line. Honestly, there are thousands of t-shirt lines out there. Whenever you obtain your funds from selling your t-shirts, make sure you turn it around and add other items into the mix. Diversify your inventory. And lastly...have fun and don't give up! Remember, there will be a lot of road bumps ahead, but plow right through each and every one of them in order to fulfill what ultimately will make you and your boyfriend happy in the end. I almost forgot... trademark your stuff. Put in the extra effort and money to engage legitimate trademark and copyright attorneys. I can go on for days, but I'll stop for now.
Thanks again Amber for checking us out and keeping up with us. We're glad that we can entertain you! The infamous Trucker hat will be readily available very shortly.
Don't be a Bastard!
Jonathan (Bastard & Friends)
'Subject: advice please :-)
Hi bastard and friends,
My name is amber and me and my boyfriend want to start a t-shirt line. I really dig the company and have seen your brand on various youtube peoples videos. I live in massachusetts outside the boston area and have seen people wearing the clothes. I think it's so cool and very unique. We love the website and the don't be a bastard message!!! :-) The videos are also entertaining. I honestly have not come across a company like bastard and friends. Very cool! Would you able able to give me and my boyfriend advice about starting a t-shirt line since it looks like you guys have your stuff together? Thanks bastard and friends keep up the good work!!! :-) Your blog is our daily newspaper!!!!!! :-) sorry for the rambling. I'll be sure to place an order soon. My bf needs that trucker hat!
xxAmber'
Amber,
First off 'THANK YOU' for your kind and generous words! A good majority of our customers are actually out of the Boston area as a matter of fact. Everyone from Mass. are Awesome! We get a lot of love from that side of the country. Anyhow, I admire those that have the drive and vision to be able to start something that they can call 'their own.' It's tough and challenging, to say the least. Especially, during these difficult economic times. As you have experienced already, if not will be, anytime you decide to take the entrepreneur route you'll soon realize that it's more than just passion and the desire that will get you from point A to point B. Although, those are important factors, it takes a lot of energy. And lots of it I might add and sacrifices. Also, understand that there are no shortcuts whatsoever. Just like school, you need to constantly do your homework; make an agenda. Setup goals and objectives and make sure you put deadlines next to each and every one. Be very personable! Networking is key. You'll learn a lot from people who are actually doing it. Surround yourself with those that are in the same industry. I truly believe that the people you hang around with now, will dictate what your future will be like in the next 5 years. Books/magazines/forums etc..are also good to absorb, but interacting with key people will provide you a much more solid foundation. Having deep pockets is also good. By that I mean, you're going to hit road blocks where money is a deciding factor. Make sure that not only you're able to fund your start-up, but also ensure you have the capability to make purchases after you launch. Nobody wants to see a company that does things 1/2 ass. Nor, do they want to see a brand that will only sustain a 1-2 year duration. Moreover, think outside of the box. Don't be afraid to be creative and do things your way. When the industry goes left, you go right. More importantly, make sure you know and understand your demographic! Interestingly, I always here people tell me that their brand caters to everyone. Bull Shit! No it doesn't. It's sad, but that seems to be the blanket/general statement people say about their brand. Another thing that people tend to forget is the marketing aspect. The days of just marketing on myspace and other social community sites, IMHO are gone. Discover alternative avenues; hit the streets; network and attend trade shows; sponsor events, if you can etc. There's also various ways you can market with very little money. But, creativity is key. Further, aim towards not only be a t-shirt line. Honestly, there are thousands of t-shirt lines out there. Whenever you obtain your funds from selling your t-shirts, make sure you turn it around and add other items into the mix. Diversify your inventory. And lastly...have fun and don't give up! Remember, there will be a lot of road bumps ahead, but plow right through each and every one of them in order to fulfill what ultimately will make you and your boyfriend happy in the end. I almost forgot... trademark your stuff. Put in the extra effort and money to engage legitimate trademark and copyright attorneys. I can go on for days, but I'll stop for now.
Thanks again Amber for checking us out and keeping up with us. We're glad that we can entertain you! The infamous Trucker hat will be readily available very shortly.
Don't be a Bastard!
Jonathan (Bastard & Friends)
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