“Summer loving had me a blast / Summer loving happened so fast” – Grease

My beach-loving, Florida boys live in bathing suits, so I am always on the lookout for colorful prints and stylish pieces that also shield them from the sweltering sun. Enter Peace.Love.Snugs. “I try and create fun and unique swimwear that no one else has,” said designer Jaclyn Blake. “But, you may not know that a lot of my designs are created last minute. My ‘Swim of the Week’ designs that release every Sunday are usually created Saturday night. I am a terrible planner and believe that in fashion, we need to be free and let things flow with how we feel that week.”

As a mom of two boys (like me!), Blake understands how swim trunks should fit active little people. My youngest has a blue and yellow banana swim set from Peace.Love.Snugs and it is the cutest. “I am lacking in the frilly girly department at home, but boy, do I have loads of it myself to make up for it,” she laughed. “I scroll through fabric suppliers and find pieces that I love and just design in my head as I go. I try to stick to a theme for every drop, but I am a little crazy and tend to go over the top with creating.” Beyond the weekly releases of swim leotards, two-piece bikinis, rash guards and Euro-style shorts, Peace.Love.Snugs also offers small shoppers printed skater skirts, skirted bummies, cardigans, bellbottom pants, crop tops and jogger shorts for kiddos. “I strive to make clothing kids love to wear due to the comfortable nature, but still stylish and fun that the parents love to put on their child instead of just a boring t-shirt and shorts,” explained Blake. Fabric prints move quickly through the shop, so if you see something you love, claim it quickly. “I change things up often in my shop. Prints tend to sell out faster than I would like. My favorite themes are animal print, unicorns and rainbows.” For Blake, her favorite part of the creation process is “turning a plain fabric into something unique and interesting. Creating something from the same exact fabrics other people have but mine being completely different. Really putting my creative juices to work.”

Blake launched Peace.Love.Snugs in August 2015. “I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine and took a trip to Joann’s and started creating! I created my own patterns for bibdanas and boho bibs and listed them on Etsy,” she recalled. “I originally intended to be a tie-dye swaddle shop. I feel like peace, love and snuggles totally embody tie-dye and blankets.” Turns out, Blake was not destined for baby blankets. “After doing my first run of blankets, I realized I didn’t like it all that much, but I had already fallen in love with the shop name so I decided to keep it as is.” Over the last four years, Blake has expanded beyond bibs and found success with her custom apparel designs. “Peace.Love.Snugs has become something I never imagined it would. Not only was I able to quit my full time management job to stay home with my boys, but I have also been able to support our family financially,” she shared. “I have also gained lifelong friendships with women I’ve never ‘met’ in real life. This community has taught me so many things and this brand has evolved me into a stronger, more confident woman.”

“Tell me more, tell me more.” Order your custom apparel through the Peace.Love.Snugs website this Labor Day weekend and join the shop’s VIP Facebook group here for sneak peaks of upcoming releases.

Hair scrunchies have come full circle since Carrie Bradshaw famously uttered that “no self-respecting New York City woman would be caught dead running around Manhattan in a scrunchie.” “I wanted to bring scrunchies back because it gives older women a reason to feel young again, reliving their childhood perhaps,” said Emily of small shop Top Knot Bae. “It is a trend that came back and the younger girls are loving it just as much as we did.” I mean, who doesn’t love a good messy mom bun accessory?

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Top Knot Bae specializes in trendy scrunchies and hair ties, decidedly more high-style than their 1990’s predecessors. “While I was on maternity leave from work and I needed a hobby, I came up with the idea of making scrunchies and it became a passion for me,” Emily recalled. “I think the shop name Top Knot Bae means girls putting their hair up with my scrunchies and just being awesome.” Her throwback hair accessories are gentle on hair as a ponytail holder but also sufficiently stylish to be worn as a wristband. The shop features colorful fabric prints from local craft stores and Emily regularly accepts custom orders as well. “My favorite style is the ‘You’re a Sunflower’ print,” she shared. “It is also my best seller!” The super cute hair ties are perfect for all ages and practical for every day use.

Emily launched Top Knot Bae in May 2019. “Most shops use sewing machines to create their products. However, I hand make all of my scrunchies with love,” she shared proudly. “I have been getting a lot of great feedback over the past month and I even made over my sales goal and got to know a lot of people through Instagram.” Emily has also learned valuable lessons about running a new small shop. “Before having this shop, I was going through postpartum depression and this was definitely an outlet for me. One challenge I face day to day is dealing with all different types of customers, but the shop has made me open up to people and I have made a lot of friends so far.”

Top Knot Bae recently released a new collection of Mommy and Me turbans named after Emily’s newborn daughter, Skyla. Pick out your own popular ponytail holder on the Top Knot Bae Etsy shop here and follow the shop on Instagram for updates on new shop drops. Plus, use the code “thankyou1” to save 10% on your next purchase. Thanks Emily!

“So, the Labyrinth is a piece of cake, is it? Well, let’s see how you deal with this little slice…” – Labyrinth

“The shop name Lilith’s Labyrinth is very special to me because it is a nod to my daughter Lilith, but also a nod at life itself. Mental health has always been something I have tried to advocate for because I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after she was born,” explained Tricia Lynne Parker. “A labyrinth, in the classical sense, is a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one’s way. To me, the labyrinth is a lovely representation of life. A five circuit Chartres labyrinth is the logo of Lilith’s Labyrinth and the background is an actual photo of the galaxy.” I love a good metaphor. 

Parker launched Lilith’s Labyrinth this summer after Lilith was born. “I have always sewn for myself and my kids,” she recalled. “A couple months ago, I designed a play hoodie for my son MJ that I now offer under my customs. I had so much fun creating this blue dragon outfit. I also loved being able to customize it for him. He has eczema, so I drafted cuffs that go just below his elbows to protect his little arms.” After experimenting with designs for her own kiddos, Parker set out to bring them to the small shop community. “I have had others ask me to make this or that, so I decided to do it all by the book. I researched consumer safety regulations, tax law and brushed up on my accounting, as I have a Bachelor’s degree in business from the UK.” The shop now focuses on small runs of bows, bummies, leggings, rompers, pocket t-shirts and hoodies for girls, boys and their mamas. “My favorite shop design at the moment is the raglan shirts. I love to color block and the sleeve style always brings a nice contrast to the bodice,” said Parker. “I only order small quantities and a large majority of my items are made to order or one of a kind. No two raglans are the same either. Sometimes, I will have fun and use multi-color thread or do a cover stitch design on the sleeves.”

Prior to opening, Parker spent a substantial amount of time handcrafting the actual patterns for Lilith’s Labyrinth. “I love being about to draft my own designs. The shop actually evolved from me wanting to sell my draft patterns to me focusing on the physical creation of products. I am a designer first and a seamstress second, to be honest,” she professed. “I also have created custom one-of-a-kind unicorn fabric. I do offer my fabric and pattern designs for sale, but I do not advertise them as such.” Her own experiences as a mom heavily influence the apparel designs as well. “I have been breastfeeding my daughter for months now and part of my goal as a shop owner is to provide customization for every mother through all stages of motherhood, be it from maternity to nursing to hiding that mom tum (that I totally still have),” she shared. “Inclusive wears and body positivity are something I pride myself in. I want to not only make bespoken clothing, but make the wearer feel that love and confidence too.” Speaking of inclusive, the gender neutral Lilith’s Labyrinth is a proud LGBTQ+ owned enterprise. “Most people don’t know that Lilith’s Labyrinth is LGBTQ+ owned and operated and that we are also a military family. I feel very privileged to be able to openly operate as part of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Parker is hard at work on custom orders in holiday prints (and just released an exclusive print in her VIP group), so check out the new shop on Facebook and Instagram and share your favorite style. Also, mention Small Shop Drop and save 10% on your first order. Thanks Tricia!

“If you want to destroy my sweater / Hold this thread as I walk away / Watch me unravel, I’ll soon be naked / Lying on the floor, lying on the floor, I’ve come undone” – Undone – The Sweater Song, Weezer

“I love to go to the thrift store and I love sweaters. I always found so many cool sweaters that were just not good for wearing, but they called to my heart in some way or another, whether it was the color or the softness or simply the work put into them. It seemed sad that they wouldn’t all get worn. I know it is ridiculous, but it made me sad,” Amanda Katzenmeyer shared. “I started buying them to unravel and use the yarn but my crochet skills are limited and so is my attention span, so that was a no go. I then thought I would make purses from them, but I am not really a purse person. The things I like are faces. They are all different and they all have such personality. I just wanted to make faces and personalities.”

Katzenmeyer is the chief sweater deconstructor and designer behind Oregon-based Sweet Poppy Cat, which handcrafts upcycled plush animals. “I love the fact that these creatures are inspired by the sweaters and I want the sweater to shine through. I don’t ever want it to look like it was just fabric from a bolt that anyone could buy yards and yards of,” she explained. “I like to incorporate the pockets, buttons, seams, really anything that let you know it was a sweater. If I come across a darned hole in a sweater, I like to incorporate that as well because a darned hole is a symbol of either love or thriftiness, both things that we need more of.” As a result of the creative materials involved, no two Sweet Poppy Cat plushes are ever identical. “I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that there are not really strict patterns involved. A lot of it is just doodling with scissors.”

Since 2009, the shop has created thousands of fuzzy friends, like dogs, bears, whales, sharks, monkeys, bunnies cuddle bugs, and of course, cats. “My favorite things to make are cats. I have just always been a cat person,” she said. “Probably the most popular design I ever made however was a pug. I have not made one in years though because I just got burned out on them. I made a pattern to make it easier and that took all the fun out of them.” Katzenmeyer’s cat companions inspired the shop name as well. “The name came from my sweet friend Poppy. He’s a very large lilac point Siamese that is sitting on my lap right now. He loves me so and I love him. He and his brothers, Rory and Toby are always handy, but not helpful,” she laughed.

Her favorite part of the design process is using color. “Whether that is a bright color or pale, unassuming color, it really doesn’t matter. I just love color,” Katzenmeyer exclaimed. “I spend way too much time sifting through my boxes and mountains of scraps finding what I think are just the right color combinations.” It is Sweet Poppy Cat’s mix of fun color combinations, warm fabrics and unique creations that help the small shop stand out. “I think that all handmade shops struggle to stand apart from one another.  I mean, one of a kind is always going to stand out as far as being unique, but getting the public to recognize and appreciate you is simply a matter of opinion,” said Katzenmeyer. “Over the years, I have had a lot of copycats, but I think none of those shops has become popular because a love of what you do, and doing what comes from your own head and not someone else’s, is always going to shine above the rest. At least, that is the hope.” I strongly agree with this.

Sweet Poppy Cat is active on social media, so check out all the sweater sweetness on Facebook and Instagram and don’t miss Katzenmeyer’s next Etsy shop drop here.

Clinical researchers and art therapists have touted the calming benefits of artistic design for adults for over a decade. Creating art allows us to explore our feelings, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and achieve mindfulness. “I have always loved art and lettering and stickers, and I have found that it is a very therapeutic thing to do that helps with my anxiety and depression,” explained Jess Pollard of Lettered by 28^th Ave.

Lettered by 28^th Ave. creates unique stickers and labels for small shops and shoppers. “I had just closed down my kids clothing shop and I launched this business about two months after closing,” Pollard recalled. “The shop name does not really have a true symbolic meaning at all. I was born on the 28th and it is my favorite number. I thought it would be cool to make it after my favorite number.” Since opening this year, Lettered by 28^th Ave. has designed hundreds of different decals. “My absolute favorite sticker design at the moment (because it changes a lot) is my floral ‘Thank You for Shopping Small’ sticker,” she exclaimed. “The colors are all so beautiful and all of the floral elements were arranged by hand. It is definitely one that took awhile to create.”

The small shop allows Pollard to flex her creative muscle (“I love having total creative freedom”). Virtually all of the sticker designs incorporate her original designs. “I do not typically use preexisting clip art or fonts in my designs, and when or if I do, it is very minimal,” said Pollard. “All of my designs are hand lettered and hand drawn by me. So, it is more than just finding a pretty clip art file and typing up words to make a sticker. Each design takes me hours, if not days, to create because of the true hand lettered and drawn nature.” She finds design inspiration all over. “Any and everything can spark that creativity.” For small shops, Pollard prints custom hangtags and sheets of “Thank You” packaging stickers (I love the “Thanks a Melon” watermelon labels). Plus, she is currently working on releasing monthly sticker boxes for small shoppers. The first boxes will include different sticker sheets and additional items from other small shops, all centered on a “self care” theme (naturally). “I have only been open for a few months and I have already grown so much. I have the best clients ever. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me.”

What else can we expect from Lettered by 28^th Ave. this month? “More machines for printing and lots of new designs for stickers. Every month, I will be adding new products, so I am super excited about that!” Take a look at all the current designs (or request your own custom sticker sheets) in the Lettered by 28^th Ave. VIP Facebook group or in Pollard’s Etsy shop here.

“We’re fluent in six languages: profanity, song lyrics, movie quotes, sarcasm, sexual innuendos, and Spanglish” – Unknown

I am a South Florida native and Spanglish is our mother lengua. In fact, it is more common to hear a mix of Spanish dialects than English while out and about. It is part of the charm down here.

Ana Reyes is a fluent Spanglish speaker. In September 2016, she launched the Texas-based Spanglish Threadz, featuring designs in the English-Spanish fused language. “It took me about a summer to plan it before we launched. I did my research and once I had it all down, I was ready to give this a try,” Reyes recalled. “The shop name refers to our Latinx culture. Spanglish Threadz seemed like the perfect name for us because this is how our kids talk at home and how we grew up speaking as well. A mixture of English and Spanish, hence the name ‘Spanglish.’”

Spanglish Threadz specializes in bilingual t-shirts, tank tops, hats and related accessories (like pins and stickers) in both adult and kiddo sizes. “We started off selling only toddler t-shirts and now we offer up to adult size. It is crazy to think that just three years ago, I was planning out everything to launch Spanglish Threadz,” Reyes exclaimed. “I would have to say my favorite design is the first one that I created, which is also the most popular one. It is our ‘I Love Sopita’ design.” I also like the “Best Friends Para Siempre” and “I Eat Frijoles & Arroz Bro” t-shirts, plus the super cute “Elote” corn designs.

The Reyes family handles everything internally from soup to nueces. “We do 100% of the work ourselves, from the first step of coming up with a design to sewing labels, and then screen-printing, shipping and all the other fun stuff associated with owning a small business,” she shared. “My favorite part is creating the super unique designs. I find design inspiration from my kids and our Latinx culture. All the things we grew up with and are surrounded by encourage me.” And, as the shop grows, Reyes is so “thankful by the constant support and love we receive everyday.”

Spanglish Threadz recently released breastfeeding-themed tops and bodysuits for the mamas and bebes this summer. Check out all the current designs on the shop’s website here and follow Spanglish Threadz on Instagram or join the Comadreando With Spanglish Threadz Facebook group for sneak peaks.

Every member of the Johnson family finds a way to contribute to the success of new small shop Little Penguin Shoes. “I had wanted to pursue my own small business while being a stay at home mom and decided to take on the adventure. My husband Jeremy is super supportive and we used our tax refund to launch this business. No one believes in me more than he does,” exclaimed Carleigh Johnson. “My husband also helped design a new shoe pattern and we are both so excited to reveal it.” Johnson’s children, son Wesley, age four, and daughter Aubreigh, age one, provide endless encouragement and inspiration. “My children are my whole world. My son Wesley sat down one day and said he wanted to design a pair too, so he started drawing emergency vehicles because he calls himself ‘Officer 911’…so that may become a shoe in the future too. I love that the possibilities are endless and can appeal to so many kiddos out there.”

Since May 2019, Little Penguin Shoes has specialized in limited runs of stylish footwear for little feet. “I design the patterns and colors and I import from an amazing company in China,” Carleigh explained. “Once I finalize my designs, then it takes about three weeks for them to send over the completed product. During that time, it is a lot of late nights because of the time difference and we go back and forth with a variety of questions, but it is such a fun and exciting process seeing your designs actually come to life.” The shop name is actually derived from Wesley’s beloved nickname. “Since he was born, I have called him my little ‘Penguin’ and it stuck. We give penguin kisses (rubbing noses) and I knew when we decided to start this shoe company that it was a perfect fit,” she shared. Certain of the shoe style names also pay homage to the Johnson family members. “I launched four styles from the start and the most popular is the mermaid print in the “Aubreigh” t-straps, named after my daughter,” said Carleigh. “Just like Wes is my little ‘Penguin,’ Aubreigh became my little mermaid, so this design was the most special too. My daughter’s room is all mermaids and tropical decor and it was so fun to create that shoe. Everyone has loved it and I am even re-launching again with a coordinating boys style with sharks and whales.” I really like the gray “Wesley” high top sneaker, a perfect neutral for back to school. 

At only $20 a pair, the Little Penguin Shoes styles are also budget-friendly. “With Little Penguin Shoes, I feel like I get to make affordable and adorable shoes for not only my little Penguins, but also lots of other kiddos too,” said Carleigh. “My favorite part is seeing the pictures of the kids wearing their shoes with big smiles. I love nothing more than seeing a post submitted of a son or daughter wearing Little Penguin Shoes from a mom that is happy with my quality and designs.” The shop has already seen measurable growth in customer interest. “My Facebook group has grown from around 50 friends and we are coming close to 1,000 members now. I have already met some amazing mommas out there and they have shown me so much love and support. It is absolutely incredible!” she gushed. “It gives me chills just thinking about it. My customers are not just customers; they are becoming friends and my inspiration too.”

Stay tuned because the Johnsons have big plans for new colors and styles this fall. “I am focused a lot on unique designs and prints, but also on having popular solid colors to coordinate with clothing too,” she said. “We are adding three new styles and lots more to come after as well. I am hoping to have a new launch at least monthly. I have so many ideas that it is hard sometimes to narrow it down but as we grow, we will add more and more.” Join the Little Penguin Shoes VIP Facebook group and shop the Aubrey, Wesley or one of Carleigh’s other styles on the shop website here. Use the code JAIME to save on your next purchase. Thanks Carleigh!

I love planning birthday parties for my kids – helping them pick a theme, venue, party invitations and all the personalized decorations. It is always so much fun. Jess Cardona of Itty Bits Designs has worked with thousands of birthday celebrators. “I started Itty Bits Designs back in 2014 by making just invites. It was a quick and easy way to help pay for school. I was a full-time student and nanny at the time as well,” she recalled. “The shop name has become part of me and my being. People hear Itty Bits and they know exactly who it is and that just means everything to me.”

Itty Bits Designs has become a one-stop small shop for custom celebration décor for all occasions. “I went from making simple 4×6 invites as a student living in a basement in New York City to full service party decor in Florida in an in-house workspace. It has been amazing,” Cardona exclaimed. I really like the themed letter and number sets, ideal for birthday photos or cake toppers. “Itty Bits Designs creates custom letters, numbers, favor boxes, tattoos, invitations, party packages and even SnapChat filters and I do 98% of it on my own. I am a one woman show. I do have help from time to time, but my hands literally touch and create every single order placed (which is 6000+ orders!).” Her favorite part is the “challenge of a new theme and being told ‘do what you want.’ It allows me to have full creative control and that is the best,” she laughed. Over the last five years, Cardona has worked on all different types of party themes, including sports, super heroes and princesses, mermaids, unicorns and animals, popular television and movie characters, and even a divorce-themed party. “A lot of people ask me if I search Pinterest and other shops for inspiration. When an order is placed and I read the details, most of the time the design pops into my head then and there,” she explained. “If I don’t know enough about the theme, I take some time to research, meaning read about it, watch a show or movie, or ask my VIP group for suggestions.” Cardona’s creations have caught the attention of celebrities like Cardi B, Ice T and Coco, and T.I and Tiny, and she has appeared on MTV shows Teen Mom 2 and Jersey Shore. “I planned the first birthday party for Brianna from Teen Mom and I am currently planning her daughter’s second birthday,” she shared proudly.

Cardona also recently released a line of custom temporary tattoos. “My favorite so far has been the paw print one because it was the first one I printed on my good printer and it was just amazing to see it work,” she said. What a fun party favor! Collaborate with Itty Bits Designs for your next birthday celebration and check out all the different designs on the shop’s website here, Facebook page or Instagram account. Plus, use the code TEAMIBD10 to save on a future purchase. Thanks Jess!

Do any of your kids have an imaginary friend? A 2004 study by University of Washington and University of Oregon psychologists suggests that by age seven, 65% of children have had a pretend playmate at some point. Breia Mallett’s two-year old daughter Marjorie and her imaginary friend inspired the Mallett Made line of plushie monsters. “A few months ago, she started talking to her imaginary friend.  When I pressed her more about it, she told me her new buddy was a sweet monster…named Monster,” Mallett explained. “She would walk around holding ‘Monster’s’ hand and singing it songs. That is when our monsters were born! I wanted to help bring her little buddy to life.”

Mallett’s monsters are very popular in the small shop marketplace, but she actually found her start in macramé. “I launched Mallett Made as a way to put all the random crafty things I do out there. It actually started with some smaller items until I created the line of plush llamas,” she recalled. “I posted a photo and it took off from there. Now, I am focusing on lovies and plush toys and always trying to dream up new cuddly creatures. A lot of the creatures I make are because of my kiddo.” Mallett Made’s recent monster drop included colorful “Pocket Monsters,” bite-size buddies that travel easily, along with squishy Cuddle Monsters and Mommy & Me Monster sets featuring a kangaroo-like pouch so the mama can keep her Pocket Monster from wandering off. Their sweet faces remind me of the creatures from Where the Wild Things Are, a beloved book in my home. “The monsters are my favorite right now because they all have so much personality,” said Mallett. “I love all the soft furs and dreaming up new ways to make them each unique.”

I asked Mallett how she stays original in a crowded handmade plush market. “I hope it is our unique designs and playful nature,” she responded. “There are so many amazing plush makers out there and it has always been my hope that we do not look too much like anything out there. I know designs may overlap at times, but we strive to stay true to ourselves and our own unique creatures.” The eco-friendly shop also recycles fur scraps to fill the insides of the Mallett Made critters. “My workspace is a crazy, fluffy mess. There is lots of extra fluff floating around and I try to mix it in with the stuffing when possible.”

Mallet has a background in design and Mallett Made occasionally offers art prints and enamel pins in the shop as well. “I have also been a part of the Nena & Co. Society for a while now. A few gals asked me to design some pins that we could pin to our bags and it grew from there.  If you think the plush market is hard, try scoring a Nena,” she laughed. Right now, Mallett is gearing up for a release of more monsters, llamas and bunnies. “There is a new mythical creature in the works too and I am working up some spooky friends in time for Halloween,” she shared. “I’m an October baby and love all things Halloween. I can’t wait!”

Grab a monster (or another plushie) during the next Mallett Made drop and spark your child’s imagination. Past collections and new drop date details can be found on the shop’s website here or Instagram account.

There is a fine line between what is considered cultural appreciation and appropriation. Accusations of cultural appropriation are unfortunately all too familiar in the fashion industry. In the most basic sense, cultural appropriation occurs when a dominant culture adopts elements from another culture that is experiencing oppression (i.e., prolonged discrimination). Nicole McCrimmon of Typical Black Tees is working to raise awareness and cultural competency in the small shop community. “We stand out from other shops because we reflect what we and others live. I absolutely love shopping at other progressive shops and I am friends with a lot of the makers. The issues appeal to me and I feel strongly about it,” McCrimmon explained. “But, I felt like this community needed a shop that spoke directly to Black people. We have a story in this country that is unlike any other and are still dealing with issues that impact us harder than any other community. We have a very distinct culture that is often copied and appropriated without any acknowledgement for us and the paths we have paved. This brand is made for those issues and the people who stand with us.”

Don’t let the name fool you – Typical Black Tees is anything but typical. McCrimmon describes the shop as “simple apparel that celebrates Black folk.” The small shop features adult and kid sized t-shirts, crop tops, tank tops and hoodies with slogans like, “Black Love is Activism,” “Not Your Culture, Not Your Money,” “Shea Butter Baby,” and one of my personal favorites, “Elect Black Women.” “My favorite design changes like the weather,” McCrimmon joked. “Right now, my absolute favorite is ‘Black Girls can do Anything,’ but our most popular shirts are our ‘R. Kelly Should be in Prison’ and ‘Cutie with the HAIR’ designs.” Typical Black Tees also donates a portion of all sales to helping and advancing Black people throughout the U.S., which inspires McCrimmon to continue creating. “I love the whole design process. Sometimes I get an idea from songs, sometimes just from things I talk about with my friends,” she said. “I love watching my conversations and the things that I care about come alive. When people like them, it makes it so much better.”

McCrimmon launched Typical Black Tees in October 2018. “Our name actually comes from our family. We have an Instagram account and blog called ‘Typical Black Family’ and when we changed the name, we were looking for something that reflects us,” she shared. “We felt like ‘Typical Black Tees’ was a great way for people to remember both pages. We also talk about issues that affect typical Black people.” McCrimmon initially opted to open up shop under the name “Black Ass Tees,” but quickly made the switch. “While we felt that name was really cool and loved it, we decided to change it to be more family friendly, reflect my own family and be allowed to advertise on social media,” she laughed.

Typical Black Tees has big plans for the fall. “We are hoping to come out with some items for the home. We are also hoping to be able to wholesale from other Black-owned businesses that sell products that reflect our culture.” Join the shop’s VIP Facebook group here for sneak peaks on upcoming releases and use the code TBTVIP to save 15% on your next purchase on the Typical Black Tees website. Thanks Nicole!