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My Values as a Small Business Owner
When I launched DustyTee Club, I knew I wanted it to reflect more than just great apparel—I wanted it to represent the values I hold closest to my heart. Running a small business isn’t just about creating products; it’s about creating something meaningful, building a community, and making a positive impact.
One of my core values is creativity. At DustyTee Club, every drop is designed with a story in mind. For example, the Cool Aunts Club wasn’t just another t-shirt line; it was a way to honor the unique role aunts play in our lives. Each design is a labor of love, blending aesthetic appeal with deeper meaning. I believe that clothing should do more than just look good—it should tell a story and spark conversations.
Another key value is community. From the beginning, I wanted DustyTee Club to be more than just a brand. I wanted it to be a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Whether it’s through themed drops that resonate with specific identities or sharing customer stories, fostering a sense of belonging is central to what I do. I love hearing from customers who share how a piece from DustyTee Club made them feel part of something bigger or reminded them of a cherished memory.
Sustainability is also important to me. As a small business owner, I’m committed to making choices that prioritize quality over quantity and respect for the planet. I intentionally avoid mass production and work with suppliers who share my commitment to ethical practices. It’s a slower process, but I believe it’s worth it to create something I can stand behind.
Lastly, I value empowerment. DustyTee Club is about celebrating individuality and embracing the things that make us unique. I want my designs to help people express themselves, whether they’re repping their love for being the “cool aunt” or wearing a piece that makes them feel confident and proud of who they are.
Running a small business comes with its challenges, but staying true to these values keeps me grounded. Every decision I make, from the designs I create to the collaborations I pursue, reflects my desire to leave a positive mark. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported DustyTee Club—it’s your stories, your enthusiasm, and your trust that make this journey worthwhile.
As DustyTee Club grows, I’m committed to holding on to these values. They’re the foundation of everything I do, and I hope they shine through in every piece I create. Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I can’t wait to see what we build together.
5 Tips for Building a Standout Custom Apparel Brand
Are you thinking about starting your own custom apparel line, or are you already knee-deep in the process and looking for ways to improve? Whether you're launching your first collection or refining your current strategy, building a standout custom apparel brand requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and attention to detail. With so many brands out there, how do you make sure yours stands out? Here are five tips to help guide you in the right direction.
1. Find Your Niche & Embrace It
The first step to building a memorable apparel brand is identifying your niche. What makes your brand different from all the others? Is it the design style, the themes you explore, or the target audience? For example, at DustyTee Club, we focus on themed drops like the “Cool Aunts Club”, creating fun designs that resonate with family dynamics. Your niche is what will attract a loyal audience, so make sure it’s something unique and something you're passionate about. When you deeply understand and embrace your niche, it shows in your branding, marketing, and product development.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to get specific. A narrow focus can often lead to a more dedicated audience. Whether it’s eco-friendly designs, tees for dog lovers, or something entirely unique—lean into it.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to custom apparel, quality matters. Your customers are not just buying a design—they’re buying into an experience. Low-quality fabric or poor printing will reflect negatively on your brand and could cost you repeat customers. Invest time and resources in sourcing good-quality materials and choosing a reliable printing method, whether it’s screen printing, DTF (direct-to-fabrict), or embroidery. The feel and durability of your apparel can be just as important as how it looks.
Tip: Test multiple samples before deciding on your final products. Get feedback from friends, family, or even small focus groups to ensure your product feels as good as it looks.
3. Build a Strong Social Media Presence
Your brand's online presence is just as important as the apparel itself. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are your best friends when it comes to showing off your designs, engaging with your audience, and driving traffic to your store. But it's not just about posting pictures of your products—tell a story! Share behind-the-scenes content, from the design process to packing orders, and create relatable content that fits your brand's personality. Building a community through social media is key to growing your brand.
Tip: Use consistent branding across all platforms. This includes using the same color schemes, fonts, and even filters on your photos. It helps create a cohesive look that your audience will recognize instantly.
4. Collaborate & Engage With Your Audience
Your audience is your greatest asset, so be sure to engage with them consistently. Whether it's responding to comments, hosting giveaways, or asking for input on future designs, building a strong community around your brand will help build loyalty. Collaborations are also a great way to grow your brand—partner with influencers, other small businesses, or even charities to increase your reach. For example, you could collaborate with a local artist to create a limited-edition drop, bringing both of your audiences together.
Tip:Consider offering your audience ways to feel like they’re a part of your creative process. Use Instagram polls, for example, to get feedback on new designs or colorways.
5. Create a Memorable Unboxing Experience
First impressions matter and in e-commerce, that first impression happens when your customer opens their package. A unique, branded unboxing experience can set you apart from competitors and make your brand more memorable. Simple touches like custom packaging, personalized thank-you notes, or even small freebies can leave a lasting impression on your customers, making them more likely to share their experience on social media and become repeat buyers.
Successful Social Media Campaigns for Apparel Brands
A great example is Gymshark's community-driven campaigns, which highlight real people’s fitness journeys. Another is Levi’s Sustainability Campaign, aligning the brand with eco-conscious values. DustyTee Club can combine these approaches by spotlighting customers in Cool Aunts tees while promoting sustainable production practices. This builds authenticity and relevance.
The Inspiration Behind the Cool Aunts Club Drop
The Cool Aunts Club collection is one of the most personal projects I’ve ever worked on. Growing up, I was lucky to have an aunt who played a huge role in shaping who I am today. She wasn’t just my aunt—she was my friend, my cheerleader, and sometimes even my partner-in-crime when I needed someone to confide in.What always struck me about her was her ability to balance fun and wisdom. She was the first to introduce me to my favorite hobbies, always encouraged me to dream big, and was there to remind me to take life a little less seriously when I needed it most. That relationship inspired me to create a collection that celebrates all the amazing aunts out there who wear their "cool" badge with pride.
Designing this collection felt like telling a story. I wanted the pieces to be playful yet stylish, reflecting the diverse ways aunts impact our lives. The designs feature bold yet cozy styles that feel as fun and vibrant as the aunts who inspire them. Each piece is versatile enough to be worn to family gatherings, weekend outings, or even just lounging at home with the kids they adore.
Launching the Cool Aunts Club wasn’t just about apparel—it was about creating a sense of belonging. I’ve loved hearing stories from customers about their own aunts or what being an aunt means to them. Some wear it as a badge of honor, while others gift it to their sisters or friends as a heartfelt token of appreciation.
The feedback has been incredible, and it reminds me why I started DustyTee Club in the first place: to create something meaningful. This drop is just the beginning, and I’m so excited to see how it continues to inspire and connect people.
Top 10 Reasons Why Cool Aunts Deserve Custom Swag
1. They spoil their nieces and nephews with love and laughter.
2. They're always there for family adventures.
3. They give the best advice—without judgment.
4. They make family gatherings more fun.
5. They champion their nieces’ and nephews’ dreams.
6. They’re a bridge between parents and kids.
7. They embrace the "cool" title with flair.
8. They turn babysitting into a mini party.
9. They teach life lessons with a dash of humor.
10. They’re the unsung heroes of family bonds.
Marketing Tactics for Custom Apparel vs. Mass-Produced Clothing Brands
Custom apparel brands, like DustyTee Club, thrive on storytelling and exclusivity, creating emotional connections with customers. For example, the Cool Aunts Club drop is built around identity and community. Contrast this with mass-produced brands like H&M, which focus on accessibility and high-volume production. Custom brands use smaller, niche audiences, while fast fashion caters to broad demographics with heavy discounts and quick turnovers. The takeaway? Custom brands win on loyalty, while mass brands excel at ubiquity.