5 Things About My Business That Matter

When I came up with the idea for Tunes-n-Tees, I didn't know if anyone else would dig what I'm doing. I just knew that there was an innate feeling that I was onto a decent idea and that I did not see anyone else doing graphic tees in the same way.

When I starting listening to country music, it gave me a sense of belonging to something, or someplace. The themes about small towns and where you grew up, as well as the love and fun party in the woods themes ... I just found myself listening more and the melodies sticking in my head. Annoyingly sometimes!

There are so many I hear that I connect to, but not all scream 'put me on a t-shirt'. Case in point, one of my favorites from Brothers Osborne 'Stay a Little Longer'.

Then there are the songs that as soon as I hear them I am jotting them down in my notes for when I go to the design board.

What is my criteria for a design?

1) Good Vibes - Lyrics that have a good message whether uplifting, feel good, funny, or a little sassy, cause ya know that's my middle name.

2) Relatable - Phrases that we can relate to whether they are a country music fan or not. And there are plenty of those. So many I have to edit myself a lot. It's kind of like favoring a child. Y'all, we know you have your favorite.

3) Timeless - Phrases that have a long shelf life. You know, the ones that whether you hear them today or 10 years from now, still hold.

4) US Business - From the time I first dreamt of creating some sort of clothing or merch brand, it has been important to me to support US-based business and commerce. It will always be a priority for me to use US apparel manufacturers and suppliers.

5) Transparent - To be transparent and personal in my interactions with customers and the public at large. Business ownership and has changed a lot over the years. Today customers want to know who the people are behind the brand. I have always been an open book so it makes sense to be real and open in my business. I think for many this is the most difficult thing to do in their business and I get it. We are not all cut out for revealing a personal side. Many of us grew up with a mentality of separating business from personal. In the end, we have to do what feels right to us and in that, we are being true to ourselves.

I guess you can say this is Tunes-n-Tee's core values. If you own a business and want to share yours, drop a comment below. And, feel free to comment in general.

Until next time ... What's Your Country Song?