Hey there! I’m thrilled to share the transformative journey behind Thirty-Five To Life with you. My path to establishing this screen printing business has been a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, but it’s a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the ability to forge new beginnings. If you’re intrigued by the idea of personal hardships paving the way for a thriving business, grab a cup of coffee and join me on this inspiring journey.
The Genesis of Thirty-Five To Life
Personal Background
Let’s rewind to a few years ago. I was at a shallow point in my life. I had just gotten a DUI, lost my job, and felt like my life and career had hit rock bottom. It was a tough time, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. I remember applying for countless jobs, going to interviews, and even getting called back for second interviews. But for some reason, I was never offered the position. It was frustrating.
The Turning Point
One day, after yet another rejection, I had a moment of clarity. If no one would give me a chance, I needed to create my own opportunity. I remember researching screen printing in design school and being fascinated by the process—the detail, the precision, and the creativity involved. I knew I could excel at it, and that’s when the idea of starting my own business began to take shape.
But it wasn’t just about finding a job for myself. I started to think about all the other small businesses struggling to stand out in a crowded market. I realized I wanted to help them create their new beginnings, just like I was trying to do for myself. And that’s how Thirty-Five To Life was born.
Building the Business
Early Challenges and Setbacks
Starting Thirty-Five To Life was challenging and required working two full-time jobs to acquire necessary equipment. Despite setbacks, I learned about screen printing techniques, ink mixing, and drying/curing processes. Small orders from family and friends provided hands-on experience, but there were doubts along the way. Technical aspects of screen printing, such as creating screens, printing separations, and proper ink mixing, posed significant hurdles.
I remember one of my first big orders – the Kansas City Chiefs had just won the Super Bowl again, and a friend had put together a great design he wanted to sell. I was so excited to get everything perfect. But things didn’t go as planned. I messed up the screens, some prints were smudged, and I had to start again. It was a stressful time, but it taught me a lot about patience and attention to detail. I had to learn from my mistakes and improve my processes. It was a turning point for me, where I realized that setbacks are just opportunities for growth.
Establishing the Brand
The name “Thirty-Five To Life” has a special meaning to me. It represents my journey from a low point to a new beginning. When I started the business at the age of thirty-five with the thought that I just ruined my whole life and career, it felt like a death sentence. After I left that low moment, I thought, “Why not take this ‘death sentence and spin it the other way? It can be a life sentence. A pursuit toward a better life!” I wanted a name that reflected resilience and transformation. It’s a reminder that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a chance to turn things around.
Crafting the brand identity was another critical step. I wanted Thirty-Five To Life to stand for more than just screen printing. I wanted it to be about helping others create their new beginnings. Whether it’s a small business trying to make a mark or a nonprofit raising awareness, I aim to provide custom designs that help them stand out.
Helping Others Create Their New Beginnings
The Mission of Thirty-Five To Life
From the very start, the driving force behind Thirty-Five To Life has been crystal clear: to empower small businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations to shine and thrive. I understand firsthand the uphill battle of carving out a niche and making a name for yourself, especially in the early stages. I’m dedicated to providing personalized service and unique designs for every client because your success is ours.
What sets Thirty-Five To Life apart is my dedication to each project. I don’t just offer cookie-cutter templates; I work closely with each client to understand their vision and bring it to life. Whether it’s a small business needing branded apparel or a nonprofit looking to raise awareness, I put my heart into every design, ensuring it reflects their identity and goals. I take the time to understand their needs, their brand, and their audience, and I use that knowledge to create unique, custom designs that stand out and make a statement.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible clients. One of my favorite success stories is about a local sheriff’s office that had worked with some pretty inconsistent apparel companies in the past. They came to me needing custom t-shirts to help raise awareness at an LGBTQIA+ event in Kansas City. We worked together to create a design that not only looked great but also effectively conveyed their mission and values. The response was overwhelming – they appreciated how well the shirts felt, and they said they received so many compliments at their booth. This experience showed me the power of a well-designed, high-quality product in making a statement and attracting attention.
Another memorable project was with a barber that was just starting. As they worked with clients, they wanted custom t-shirts to wear and show off their brand. Seeing her excitement when she received the finished products was incredibly rewarding. She told me that having a professional, cohesive look made them feel more confident and helped attract customers.
These success stories fuel my passion. The knowledge that my work can have a tangible impact on someone’s business is an incredibly rewarding feeling. It’s the reason I do what I do and why I’m so enthusiastic about helping others create their own new beginnings. I hope these stories inspire you and fill you with optimism about the potential for your own success.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Key Takeaways from the Journey
Looking back, I’ve learned a few key lessons from this entrepreneurial journey. First and foremost, perseverance is everything. There were countless times when I felt like giving up, but pushing through those challenging moments made me stronger and more resilient.
Another important lesson is the value of attention to detail. Screen printing requires a lot of precision, and rushing through any step can lead to mistakes. I’ve learned to take my time and ensure every aspect of the process is done right. This improves the quality of the products and builds trust with my clients.
I’ve also realized the importance of communication. Keeping clients in the loop and being transparent about the process helps build strong relationships. It shows that I care about their projects just as much as they do, and it’s something they appreciate.
Vision for the Future
As for the future, I have big dreams for Thirty-Five To Life. In the short term, I want to continue honing my screen printing skills and learning more about the technical aspects of the craft. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m committed to becoming the best screen-printer. “Student first. Teacher second.”
Long-term, I envision having a solid shop with a team of like-minded individuals who share my passion for the creative process and believe in second chances. I want Thirty-Five To Life to be where people can find their new beginnings, just like I did. Whether it’s someone who’s been through tough times and is looking for a fresh start or someone passionate about screen printing and wants to learn more, I want to create opportunities for them.
Ultimately, I want to build a legacy that inspires others to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter how challenging the journey is. I want Thirty-Five To Life to be more than just a business – I want it to be a beacon of hope and resilience.
Conclusion
Reflecting on this journey, from personal setbacks to building a successful business, has been incredibly rewarding. Thirty-Five To Life is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of new beginnings. No matter your challenges, it’s never too late to start anew.
If my story resonates with you or you’re looking for custom apparel that represents your brand, I’d love to connect and collaborate. Let’s create something unique together and make your vision come to life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
