Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Dorsey.
Hi Jay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The establishment was opened back in February of this year. I had just come off a job hiatus of 5 months (from October till then). I had lost my car due to a wreck and my job the next day. During those 5 months, it was tough to get in anywhere for a good minute, and after a while, I kind of gave up! My grandmother then told me she wanted to start a T-shirt shop. At first, I didn’t want any parts of it, but how does it sound to have no car, job, or income coming in? Not good at all! There are bills to pay still pay still, and I have a child to look after. Knowing that the shop would take some time to generate money, I started to substitute teaching in February to get some money. It was iffy because I needed a consistent assignment, but something is better than nothing. That’s how we opened. Around May or late April, I committed much more of my time to the shop. I grew a passion for it and became so invested that it eventually became my livelihood. I got a call from Granny one morning telling me I have an LLC with my name attached. We finalized the paperwork, and I became the legal owner of Creative Tees & More 314!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
From February 2023 till now (November 2023), I’ve seen so much progression not only with the shop but with myself as well. I’ve only had the typical obstacles: needing more product, machines being down and needing attention, and explaining to customers the importance of being punctual/specific when placing orders. Other than that, the road has been smooth. I haven’t had any issues with other businesses or customers saying I’m unprofessional. Social media gets tough at times because it’s a job by itself. Make sure content is posted for people to see, grow the page, and respond to inquiries via social media. Luckily, thanks to the apps, I can schedule content to post throughout the week when I have some downtime! I can say that with working for myself, I don’t have that “calling off work” mentality, even on days I may not be feeling my best. Of course, there are days I would love to love to stay in bed. It all disappears once I walk into the shop and I’m ready for work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Creative Tee’s and More 314. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
Creative Tee’s and More 314 is a custom apparel store. I help bring to life the custom designs you envision and even the ones you may not be able to. Our customers can bring in their clothing items if they wish. In-store, we have a range of gear from t-shirts, hoodies, 2-piece jogging sets, letterman jackets, and hats. We also offer kids’ attire, and our current inventory includes kids’ t-shirts and hoodies starting at sizes 2T up to youth XL. All apparel is ready to be pressed or bought without design. Pictures and designs are printed using adhesive vinyl and direct-to-film (DTF) Transfers. We also understand that some of our customers may have some of the starter materials necessary to start their own printing and custom apparel business, so we sell materials such as cutting mats for Cricut machines and Cricut weeders to weed out cut vinyl.
I do bulk orders and have bulk orders discounts. Also, please place your order at least a week and a half in advance. This gives me time to get any items needed for your order if I do not have them in store already. If you come after that time frame, an automatic rush fee will be placed if you continue your order. I treat my orders as a “first come, first serve” and aim to get them out the same day, depending on how big it is. I have a 24-48 turnaround time, so if I cannot finish your order that same day, I give you an estimated time frame, take down your phone number, and call you when it’s ready for pick-up. I charge a rush fee for those who need their order now and can’t wait. All my customers are prioritized equally with a high level of attention. Everyone who has paid expects to have an excellent quality finished product- no order is considered a low priority. I do provide designer services as well for a fee. Suppose you need a logo/design created from scratch (meaning I am making something original that isn’t a copy of another idea for your use. This takes time away from completing other orders due to possible revisions that may occur). In that case, I can do that as well. All orders are paid for before I start; I will start your order when payment is received. The only exception is if I verbally tell you not to pay, due to me ensuring I can get the materials needed since they are currently out of stock.
When you walk in, you feel at home. It smells lovely and is well-kept from the floor, shirts, and shelves. You are greeted with a warm welcome in person and over the phone. I remember all of those who have set foot in my store. I love developing relationships with customers because it makes it easier to work on your order and during the consolation process. If I can connect with you, I will surely make a finished product that you will love. I’m honest with anyone who walks into my store. I will let you know the earliest/latest I can have your order completed. I’m open from Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. I get everyone to follow our social media in case I make store-hours updates on certain days and see other creations I’ve done. Every order is one of a kind, just like you!
What makes you happy?
Being able to make someone’s vision become a reality has also been fun for me. Especially when it may be last minute for the customer, they gain trust and a better liking. I talk with all my customers and learn why this custom product is important to them. As the creator, it helps me understand what the finished product will look like. To show a customer the finished product and their face fills with a smile? I couldn’t ask for anything more! I am glad that I could fulfill their request and see them full of excitement. That is what makes me happy, and I love what I do!
Pricing:
- Custom T-shirt: $15-$25+
- Jogging Suits: $30 with no design
- Vinyl: Sheets- $4 Yard- $11
- DTF Transfer ONLY: $5 per sheet (12×12)
- Hoodies: $15 w/no design With Design: Starts at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativetees314.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeteesandmore314/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Creative-Tees-More-314/100093215595089/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
