My Journey: How I Got Started Making Shirts 👕✨

Hey y’all! Ever wondered how someone with zero formal training ends up making awesome shirts? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a fun (and slightly chaotic) journey of how I got started making shirts and became self-taught. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of trial and error, a few disasters, and a whole lot of love for crafting! 💖

The Spark of Inspiration 💡

It all started with a simple want: Cool, Comfy and Beachy tanks to wear in a hot FL summer. When I couldn't find what I wanted, I thought, why not give it a try and just make one? Armed with enthusiasm and absolutely no experience, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of DIY shirt making. What could possibly go wrong? 😅

First Attempt Fiasco 🖌️🚫

My first attempt was... let’s just say, memorable. I bought some plain shirts, a heat press, and set up shop in my craft room. The result? A mess that looked like I had no idea what I was doing. But hey, every masterpiece takes time, right? 😉

YouTube University 🎥🎓

Determined to improve, I turned to my trusty friend, YouTube. I watched countless tutorials, learning everything from basic techniques to advanced tricks. It was like going to college, but without the hefty tuition fees. Slowly but surely, I started getting the hang of it. My shirts began to look less like kindergarten art projects and more like something you’d actually wear in public. 🎨👏

Trial and (Many) Errors 🧪💥

There were plenty of mistakes along the way. Like the time I accidentally printed my shirt upside down. Or the time I tried to use a heat press without reading the instructions and nearly set my office on fire. But each mistake was a lesson learned, and I got better with each attempt. 🔥😬

The Breakthrough Moment 🌟✨

Then came the day when I made a tank that was actually good. Like, really good. It was a simple design, but it was perfect. I wore it out and got so many compliments. That’s when I knew I was onto something. I started experimenting more, finding my own style, and creating unique designs that people loved.

Going Pro 🚀💪

With a few successful designs under my belt, I decided to take the plunge and turn my hobby into a business. Florida Girl Clothing Co. was born! Then Wisconsin Up... and now Boots + Roots Apparel Co. I've been in over 25 retail stores and sold thousands of shirts nationwide. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Seeing people wear and love my creations is the best feeling in the world. 🌍❤️

Wrapping It Up 🎀

So, there you have it – my journey from clueless beginner to self-taught shirt maker. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. If you’ve got a passion for something, don’t be afraid to dive in and learn as you go. Who knows? You might just discover a hidden talent and create something amazing. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, and here’s to many more creative projects to come! 🎉👕✨

#DIYJourney #SelfTaught #SmallBizLife #BootsAndRootsApparelCo #CraftingAdventures #NeverGiveUp

Tristan Whitaker