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Meet a Leader
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Young Leader Uses Passion for Drawing to Create T-Shirt Business
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| Aubrey Fontenot (second from left) created the designs modeled by his friends. |
How did you get started with your business?
A few years ago, I started drawing graffiti on shirts with markers, but they always washed off. So then I tried tracing over the markers with fabric paint and ended up with a new hobby. Late last year, I began experimenting further by actually creating designs and slogans that I liked and painting them on t-shirts, backpacks, jeans, bandanas and shoes. I began wearing my shirts to school and my friends and other students really liked them. They started asking me to paint designer shirts for them and it just took off from there.
Who are your customers?
I've painted shirts for my principal, school step teams, teachers and their children. Because I am also a good sketch artist, I can also add pictures and images into the design. I have also been asked to design a shirt for my Jack and Jill of America Teen Chapter for all the teens to wear to our annual Regional Teen Conference.
Do you run it by yourself? If not, who provides assistance?
At first no one took me seriously, so I was running it alone for a little bit. After awhile, I got help from friends with promotion tips and other businesses. My mother played a big role by being there for me and supporting me in whatever choices I made instead of criticizing me like many others.
Did you take any special classes?
No, it’s all kind of natural to me. I've had a love for drawing all my life. Drawing has always had a calming effect on me. Whenever I became frustrated at school or upset about punishment at home, I would always draw.
What do you enjoy the most about it?
I make money doing something that I love and that I've always had love for all my life. I also get a lot of positive recognition, not just from other teenagers, but from the adults in my life too ... my family, my school and my church. What were some challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Understanding the business aspect of my craft was a challenge and not letting the haters out there get to me. My mom gave me business advice because she was an entrepreneur. I also realized that my business could be more than just a dream.
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| T-Shirt Sample. Aubrey's talent for art led him to start a business
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What are your future plans?
To keep my business going, go to college and probably study business so that I can understand that aspect of the game and continue chasing my dream of being my own boss and having my own successful business.
What advice would you give to youth entrepreneurs?
Don't do it because of the money. Let that be an asset. Instead, do it because it is something that you have a passion for. That's where the success really comes in. I would paint for free because I love it so much. “Dream big, have faith and want success in your future. You can accomplish anything as long as you have that mindset.” Aubrey Fontenot, CEO
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