They say that the clothes make the man – or woman – which is why Amy Jo Malone has the perfect gift this holiday season for yourself or a loved one. A true visionary, Malone started her new company t’inked, an online T-shirt business to tap into her creative energy. She took her inspired ideas and combined them with her entrepreneurial spirit and a new business was born. The former owner of Amy Jo Jeans, this Chicago-based powerhouse wanted to “design, build, and learn” while (literally) rolling up her sleeves, working hard, and contributing to her household.
Her previous company Amy Jo Jeans was started in 1999 when the internet was moving at a slower pace, and it was still undergoing growing pains when her company closed in 2004. Her new venture, t’inked is an entirely different type of company because of the product type, but also due to the execution and marketing. Once shoppers browse the website, they find their favorite (short-or-long-sleeve) tee or sweatshirt, and this wearable work of art becomes a true expression of their personality. Malone explains that “we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do draw inspiration from the current events, culture and art, as well as our surroundings, and the internet. We hope you will find your story to style just your way.
Once shoppers browse the website, they find their favorite (short-or-long-sleeve) tee or sweatshirt, and this wearable work of art becomes a true expression of their personality.
Malone explains that “we don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do draw inspiration from the current events, culture and art, as well as our surroundings, and the internet. We hope you will find your story to style just your way.”
FWM: Have you reinvented “the little white tee?”
I think so, at least in terms of making it more interesting without developing a new pattern. Instead, I have called upon my design and artistic skills to create a simple white tee that has interest, is simple, and inspires individuality. The tees can be worn with anything—which, in turn, gives the wearer a creative component to style it in so many ways.
FWM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from so many sources: nature, the internet, news, culture and art, and everyday sayings, or what I call “isms.”
FWM: Your designs are simple, yet there is a story behind each design. Explain.
The stories are as varied as the sources. For example, my sister plays in three Mah Jong groups. She wanted to have some tees for her groups, and for one member/player in particular—she has a Mah Jong web site with 20,000 followers and thought it would help with the business. So, I designed a line of “special’tees” depicting my interpretation of Mah Jong tiles. Another example is that I have always loved the delicate and intricate nuances of Asian art, hence the many tees using elements from that culture.
FWM: What are you enjoying most about this new business venture?
I like that I have control over the whole process and end product. Having been a design director, and from my experience with Amy Jo Jeans, I am big on efficiency, scheduling deadlines, and delivering a perfect end result. It’s hard to place these tasks in someone else’s hands. So, I think it would be that I am a control freak when it comes to my work/product.
FWM: Which designs are most popular for men?
So far, “All Tribes Are Created Equal,” and “dog’s rule” seem to be most popular. My husband also has these tees and get comments every time he wears them. Some of the Fall long sleeve tees and sweatshirts derived from Asian culture, such as the colorful tiger (a little reminiscent of Ed Hardy tees) are also popular, but they don’t cost over $100.
FWM: What is your personal and professional mission, philosophy, or goals?
The mission I have had from day one was to create a product that isn’t out there–and if there is something close to it–mine is more unique, better quality, and at a better price. It may take slightly longer to receive because of the on-demand setup, but you won’t find it anywhere else.
FWM: What is your happy place?
I am at my happiest when I am an entrepreneur. For my personality and lifestyle, it offers a certain freedom that I don’t experience under any other conditions or circumstances. I can research, design, draw, and learn at any time, which I do. I can switch tactics, take my time editing, make decisions that are based on my criteria and timing.
Because dressing has become so casual, my goal was to create something that could be styled. This is about an item that could be reinvented, would express individuality, i.e., wear with a blazer, leather jacket, skirt, plaid pants, or alone. In essence, giving creativity back to the customer.
FWM: How important is Social Media to your business?
Social media plays the biggest role in getting the product out there. I don’t have to hire and pay reps–it is all based on social sites and apps, advertising, networking, influencers, family, friends online. There is still a cost for advertising and influencers, but the reach is much broader and varied.
Because dressing has become so casual, my goal was to create something that could be styled. This is about an item that could be reinvented, would express individuality, i.e., wear with a blazer, leather jacket, skirt, plaid pants, or alone. In essence, giving creativity back to the customer.
FWM: Please share your life lessons with my readers.
A big one. I have learned almost everything from my family. From my late brother, a will to move on; my late father, that independence is strength, hard work, continue learning; my late mother, open-mindedness, gentility, kindness, just doing it, from my sister, Susan, her ability to reinvent herself many times–not to get stuck, self-reliance, advice, and exploring creativity in other areas, and my husband’s optimism
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