Starting a brand can feel like a huge leap in a lot of ways, and it is. But it doesn't have to be super complicated. We started in a basement of a rental house and now work out of a warehouse. There were a ton of decisions and changes that we've had to deal with. But the big things? It usually comes down to a few simple steps done really well.
1. Keep It Simple
Seriously. You don't need a 40-page plan or a massive launch. Start small. Pick one or two items you really believe in, maybe that's a hoodie, maybe a hat, but start there. Focus on what makes your brand yours and make that message clear.
There's no need to overcomplicate things, and a big thing that becomes complicated quickly is your logo. You don't need to follow every crazy trend or make it big and bright. The brands that last are the ones that start with a focus, and think of some of the most popular brands and their logos, Nike doesn't need every color on a Pantone to be noticed.
2. Use The Right Tools
There are tons of great apps and platforms out there that can help you run smoother from day one. Here are a few of our favorites:
-
Slack - Great for keeping in touch with team members, partners, or creatives you're working with. A nice, easy way to skip out on unnecessary emails.
-
Front - If you're dealing with customer messages, DMs, and emails, Front helps you out and allows you to stay on top of it all in one place.
-
Monday - Perfect for keeping your projects on track, especially if you're juggling orders, design updates, and drops.
The right tools make it feel less like chaos and more like progress.
3. Reinvest Back Into It
This one's big. When you start making sales, it's tempting to cash out. But the strongest brands? They double down. Take your early wins and reinvest in better blanks, better packaging, better design, or anything else you need.
And not every reinvestment is gonna play out exactly how you want, but there's going to be a time where it hits "just" right, and that moment is going to feel like a million bucks. (And maybe you'll make a million bucks, but who knows?)
4. Quality = Everything
It's easy to get caught up in making a quick buck, but people remember quality. And they come back for it. Whether it's the feel of the shirt, the way the print holds up after 10 washes, or the overall vibe of your branding/design, quality is key, and in that quality, there needs to be consistency. Just because you found a blank that's cheaper doesn't mean you should change from your current blank to the new one and sacrifice quality.
Final Thoughts
Starting your brand doesn't mean having it all figured out. It means being clear about your message, keeping it consistent, and building it up with intention. The rest? That's where the journey happens, and you'll need to figure it out yourself and trust your instincts.
