Instagram to TShirts, pretty simple really, or at least I thought so when I first started working on it a year ago. I’ve always had a go at inventing things, my first try was a digital picture frame when I was 12, but between me and Sony it was only ever going to go one way.
What is innovative / unique about what you do?
We’ve developed a process which lets pretty much anyone with a smartphone or tablet take a picture, pick a shirt (or vest or hoodie etc.) and a few days later have a unique piece of clothing in their hands. Since we started working on it there have been loads of Instagram based businesses pop up, Stickygram, Instapost etc. but we’re the only ones who have managed to get it to work on clothes.
What were the biggest obstacles launching the start-up and how did you overcome them?
Time and money, which I suppose are pretty generic, but specifically finding the right products and printing quality that I was happy with. I couldn’t move forward with developing an App unless I knew I could produce something I would want to wear, not just some dull photo print from the high street. On and the logo, that took ages to decide on. I just kept at it, and had faith that I was doing something worthwhile. Ultimately the regret of not doing it pushed me forward.
What would you say has been your most memorable experience while developing your startup?
The day before my first fashion shoot the entire collection got lost in the post. I managed to track it down to a depot about 2 hours away, but they didn’t open till 7 and the shoot was scheduled for 10. Now you don’t have to be a maths whiz to figure out that’s going to be cutting it a bit close. Oh and to make matters worth I’d smashed my phone a couple of days before so had no whatsapp, no email and more importantly for a Londoner heading out to the sticks, no Google maps. When I got there, they said the package was in back and would pop round with it in 5 mins so have a cup of coffee and relax. 3 hours later, it was nowhere to be seen and I’m quite literally at my wits end trawling through a mail depot with no idea of what the box even looked like. I was about to borrow their office phone to call the photographer to tell everyone just to go home when the most wonderful little man appeared from a small door saying there was an unmarked box with TShirts inside. I almost burst into tears, quickly signed for it, left them £20 for a pint after work (another story) and ran frantically toward the closest train station. Then I bust into tears. I eventually made it to Homerton and everyone loved the kit which I hadn’t even seen till then. We got cracking, and I burst into tears again, it was a big day for me.
It was purely based on where I was living at the time. I moved in with my soon to be wife (fingers crossed for November) into Ability Plaza just up the road from The Ditch and love the creativity and people in the area. There are plenty of Live/Work leases available which was perfect for me just starting out and no shortage of trendy friends to give me some honest feedback on the range as I was developing it.
What/who should help for the development of Shoreditch entrepreneurial community?
I think education is key, and I’m not talking about A-Level Biology. I’m talking about conferences to help aspiring musicians understand publishing deals, or graphic designers how do be profitable in the freelance world. Having worked in advertising for the last 8 or so years I’ve been privileged to go to Google conferences, Twitter talks and even a Ted or two, those things really get you thinking differently on how you approach work and life in general. The more up-and-comers exposed (unintentional pun) to influential people and likeminded individuals, the better.
Who/what are your favorite CEOs/Businesses in Shoreditch?
For those who don’t know PLASTIK, take a look at their work. They’ve made some lovely cinematography and if you’re a start-up looking to get things made they are worth speaking to. They’ve been a great help so far a looking forward to completing the next round of projects.
What are your favorite places in Shoreditch?
That’s changed for me over the years, I used to love Passing Clouds (being near my house and all) but I tend to do dinner more. St John Bread and wine is by far my favourite place to eat in London, but can’t beat Rosa’s for something spicy and a beer. We used to go for Vietnamese loads, but one day they all seemed to up their prices by about £3, and turned me off the whole thing.
What does the future has in store for Shoreditch?
It will probably end up like Williamsburg in New York, and other places which have been redeveloped, it’s a story as old as time. Industrial areas get run down as business moves on, artists and students move in because it’s cheap and bring with them a sense of style and culture which is then 