How did you originally start screenprinting together?
Adam and I have always been a little bit outside the box, playing around with designing and printing t-shirts since we were just teenagers in love. We’re not the most computer-savvy couple, so we would spend late nights at Kinko’s making art with pens, scissors, tape and Xerox machines. Then we would squirrel away money and go to the local screenprinter with our designs, pine over their massive screenprinting equipment, get 25 shirts printed at a time and sell them at local punk shows.
A few years into our marriage, we found a used four color press and an unreliable screen printing dryer at a price we could afford. We began quite possibly the worst (but cheapest) screenprinting shop that has ever existed. It was a lot of trial and error, frustration and research, but well worth it.
Tell us about your previous working situation and how you discovered Etsy.
Adam was managing a corporate screenprinting shop, and I was working as an esthetician by day and screenprinting at our shop by night. After putting away some money and creating a business plan, we got a business loan, a business license and started screenprinting for local businesses full time.
I found out about Etsy through Readymade magazine. Adam had been pushing me to start a shop for a while. We were just thinking of making a few extra bucks by listing some of our old shirts we had lying around, as well as some handmade jewelry we sold at local shows. I listed the items and paid very little attention to the shop, as our screenprinting business was our main priority. In November 2009 we decided to give our shop a serious try out of necessity. Adam was ready to pick up a day job again because our screenprinting shop was not making enough to sustain our family. We began brainstorming ways to get some cash flow and our Etsy shop was one of the things on our list. I spent the last week of November scouring the Etsy Blog and Etsy Forums for any piece of selling advice and began photographing and listing every handmade thing we had.
Did you do anything to prepare for the transition into full-time Etsy selling?
Our transition into selling full time was very surreal; it went from selling an item every few days or weeks to selling 20+ items a day, quite literally overnight. We had no system in place and shirts and envelopes everywhere. I had researched how to tag well and photograph to sell, but did not even ponder the shipping side of things. I highly recommend sorting those things out before listing like a maniac.
What’s been your most popular item or line to date?
Our “Cirque Cycle” line, which consists of various animals on bikes, is our most popular, hands down. The fox on a bike shirt has stolen the show. We are both passionate about alternative fuel and modes of transportation — Adam is crazy about biking, so I think his love and quirkiness for bikes really shows in those shirts.
What has been your most memorable custom request?
A customer was getting married and her wedding was bike themed, so she had us print our “Biking is for Lovers” tandem bike design on tote bags as her wedding favors. I loved that we were able to be a part of her special day.
Any unsuccessful promotions or business mistakes you regret?
We did some paid advertising on Facebook a while back and it was kind of a flop. As for business mistakes, we weren’t very efficient at anything at first, which created way more chaos than necessary. Thankfully though, we don’t have any major regrets to speak of.
What is the biggest challenge you face during your daily schedule?
Only having 24 hours in a day seems to be the biggest challenge. In all seriousness, it’s been a challenge to have a thriving business while balancing the demands of parenthood by our two (soon to be three!) active, curious little ones. We really make an effort to carve out quality time for each other and our family while remaining professional and efficient for Dark Cycle — which has us playing a game all day. Adam gives the kids breakfast while I drink coffee and answer convos, then I’m in Mom-mode while Adam is off to print. Once the kids are in bed it’s a listing, packing and shipping party! We crank up the music and get stuff done.
What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
The best thing about not having a day job is the quality time we have with each other and our children. Nothing beats the flexibility of packing up the kids and going to the beach or the park just because it’s gorgeous outside. The one thing I miss is being able to leave work at work. One of these days I’m going to put a sign up on our door that says, “If you worked here, you’d be home now.”
What’s the hardest part about running your own business?
The hardest part of running our business has been bookkeeping, scheduling, and organization. It’s just not the way our brains are wired. When you run your own business the separation of work and play is very difficult: our work used to be our play. Adam loves to unwind with designing, and I very much enjoy photography and photo editing. If we’re watching a movie at home, we’re folding shirts on the coffee table at the same time. It feels as if we are constantly working, but we enjoy it, so it’s a weird line we’re walking.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself or someone considering a similar path?
1. Become best friends with Google docs and stay organized from the beginning.
2. Create things you love, but more importantly, pay close attention to what your customer base loves. Create and adjust accordingly.
3. Have fun, work hard, don’t stress.
What goals do you have in store for the future of Dark Cycle?
- Our number one goal is to really branch out all of our product lines. We want to expand our housewares line, get some art prints rolling and really create some awesome stuff for the ladies. We have a lot of plans for new products and we are anticipating doubling our inventory by the end of the year.
- Another goal we have is to really take care of our wholesale customers and become proactive in getting our wares into more shops instead of waiting for them to come to us. We have been very lucky to be approached by stores all over the globe, and I hope to tap into this more in the future.
Have any favorite Etsy shops we should know about?
In no particular order:
- Cosmobeets: Sharron is awesome and continues to hook me up with some amazing custom headbands.
- Portlandgeneralstore: They keep Adam smelling like a dignified gentleman with their whiskey scent.
- Happysquashtoys: Great quality wooden toys for our kiddos.
- Fusionsweets: Yummiest marshmallows ever.
- Soapopotamus: I live in her lip balms.
Any additional words of wisdom?
We feel very thankful to Etsy for providing a platform that has allowed us to take off and pursue our dreams. We are also extremely blessed to have very supportive families and friends who have happily stepped in to help when we’ve needed it. From taking our kids to the zoo when our house looks like a sweatshop to helping out with folding t-shirts, we have an awesome network of people in our lives that have really helped us reach our goals, and we can’t express our appreciation enough.
Thanks to Coryn and Adam for sharing their story. You can see some of their work in the Seller’s Items below.
Previous Quit Your Day Job posts
233 comments
Sign in to add your ownJudiPaintedit says:
That is awesome that you guys do it together... Congrats and I love the shop designs!
1 year ago
rockmyworldinc says:
Great shop..we bought a shirt and loved it!
1 year ago
PetalPetal says:
Congratulations! Best of luck on your adventure together!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great shirts, really love the style. Was great to read your story hopefully much more success to come!
1 year ago
XionClothing says:
Great! me and my girl friend are about to combine efforts!
1 year ago
WeThreeTrees says:
I've been interested in what your story is about, you've been a favorite seller for awhile now. Thanks for sharing! I'm hoping my husband and I can start our own business together too. :) God bless you, your business and your family!
1 year ago
doxallodesigns says:
Great interview!! SO very inspiring! :) Congrats and best wishes for your shop and your growing family!
1 year ago
doxallodesigns says:
Great interview!!! Very inspiring! Congrats and best wishes for your shop and your growing family!
1 year ago
GalleryJuana says:
cute story of how you started out.
1 year ago
doxallodesigns says:
hiccup
1 year ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
As avid bikers -- love it! Cheers to more creative punk families out there! Keep up the good work.
1 year ago
terrihvaught says:
Cute shirts-great love story.Much success!
1 year ago
toriska says:
I love their quirky designs! Way to go with running a full-time business as well as a family.
1 year ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
Awesome - So inspiring! Warm thoughts for huge success in the future :)
1 year ago
karoart says:
I love quit your day job posts. Very uplifting, inspiring, helping to keep positive attitude:)
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
What a great interview. congratulations on the feature. I just love the tiger on bike shirt :-)
1 year ago
bunnycrave says:
Love the animals at play! You guys are sooooo cute
1 year ago
levyphotography says:
Congratulations on your shop.
1 year ago
karoart says:
what I like most about this interview is th honesty... It's such a genuine story- not all fairy tale but real life, toil and trouble. Great job you two. Congratulations on your success.
1 year ago
MonkeysOnTheRoof says:
Great read...I can really relate to the difficulty with the balancing act of home and work. I too am not "wired' to stay on a schedule but I'm really trying!
1 year ago
byNikki says:
Love your store.. and thank you for your story. Especially your tips, do what you love and be aware of what your customers love! I hope your business continues to have TONS of success!
1 year ago
billetsdoux says:
Love the badger on a bike tshirt. Great interview.
1 year ago
simplyworn says:
very cool....!
1 year ago
amth13 says:
Wow just found out where my daughter got my christmas present from. Mine is the gas mask pin up and it is my favourite t.shirt, luv it
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Animals on bicycles = brilliant! Great shop, congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
Spellboundjewelery says:
Excellent!
1 year ago
BubbleGumAndButtons says:
What a wonderful thing to be able to say, "our work used to be our play." Now you are lucky enough to be able to "play" every day! Great story, Thank You ~You know it is from "Bubble Gum and Buttons" when you find the button!~
1 year ago
FerntreeStudio says:
Yay, another success story! I totally feel you on juggling work and kids. angie
1 year ago
rebeccasanchez says:
So cool! Congratulations!!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
Awesome shirts! The Venus is wonderful.
1 year ago
dustbincards says:
What great advice. Good luck and congrats on the new addition to your family!
1 year ago
maymers says:
Great advice. I need to google Google Docs. Congrats, love your stuff!
1 year ago
Thunderclap says:
I just love the interview.Very inspirational. I hope some day to be doing the same. New ideas are piling up, but never enough hours in the day....Continued success to you!
1 year ago
chelle590 says:
Love the shirts. Very unique. I also like that you get to work together!
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
Great advice and great products
1 year ago
iowajewel says:
really loved the interview and love the way you make work fun -a packing and shipping party!!! and i totally understand about never leaving work, it is amazing that our shops are open 24/7!!! hope you have much success with your shirts, they are awesome!
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Incredible shop love bikes too~ sweet you both work together as a team, congrats on quiting your day jobs.
1 year ago
TheZestyDesk says:
Thank you for emphasizing the importance of setting aside family time. Sometimes we get so caught up in our work and it becomes hard to turn it off when you work at home. Quality family time is so important and a major reason why we work at home in the first place. Sounds like you guys have a great balance. Congrats to you both and wishing you continued success!
1 year ago
LoveandKnit says:
Great prints!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Cool
1 year ago
studiopainters says:
great great great
1 year ago
SmilingGirlStudio says:
Wow! Impressive numbers and you did it together while having a family.....Not easy, way to go! AND congratulations. Love your stuff.
1 year ago
birdhouseaccents says:
Great story CONGRATS
1 year ago
hadleyclay says:
I quit!
1 year ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Love your idea about making the "if you worked here you'd be home now" sign. :) Congratulations on all your success, and being able to work together, that sounds wonderful!
1 year ago
SweetlyFallen says:
Love your work! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
sevenply says:
One of my most fave ETSY shops! Congrats!
1 year ago
HollyDaise says:
You guys are fantastic! What an inspiring read. Love the wolf on bike tee, really cool! Congrats on your success. Hope 2011 is a fantastic year for you both! Hx
1 year ago
littlejarofhearts says:
Super cool prints! love the idea of "if you worked here, you'd be home now"
1 year ago
littlejarofhearts says:
Super cool prints! love the idea of "if you worked here, you'd be home now"
1 year ago
Asianexpressions says:
Cool shop!
1 year ago
Ebella24 says:
Store is awesome and story and beautiful!! God bless :)
1 year ago
ClosetGothic says:
Good on you, DarkCycle team. I just KNEW there had to be a good success story here! And it made great reading.
1 year ago
MagicalPonyFarm says:
Love all your stuff!
1 year ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great story, very inspiring. Thanks for sharing! Continued success to you!!
1 year ago
emmaallard says:
Very inspiring, my partner and I are moving towards working together full time. Love the prints too. xxx
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Love your shop :) Big fan here! Congrats!!!
1 year ago
farragio says:
Great article and great items!
1 year ago
agambroult says:
i love hearing tales of crazy beginnings, disorganization and cluelessness... it's so funny how little so many of us knew when we jumped in. A BIG WOW on their success, but from the looks of their shirts, I can certainly see why. way to go, Dark Cycle!
1 year ago
yeoldegeneralstore says:
Great story, and always fun to read about another couple that met in high school that is not only still together but manages to run a business together!
1 year ago
lv2cr8 says:
I love the passion you both have. Thank you for sharing your story.
1 year ago
WallCakes says:
Your story is wonderful...thanks for sharing it with us.
1 year ago
limegreenmodern says:
Such a cool story...congrats on the amazing success!
1 year ago
greencouchdesign says:
Loving hearing about other couples getting it done! And with kids! Way to go and cherish it. Thanks for the great business advice. We learn a little more everyday.
1 year ago
owlbot says:
I love it! Such a great story!
1 year ago
forgetmenotshop says:
I'm so happy for yall! Continue to live the dream..
1 year ago
ShopRedLeaf says:
Great article! You guys seem super organized, and I love your stuff:)
1 year ago
Caracarmina says:
such a inspirational story!!!!! (applauses) I love your shirts and I love they way you believed in your dreams!!!!
1 year ago
StarBookkeeping says:
What a great article! A husband and wife team :)
1 year ago
Schmutzerland says:
Killer Story! Love the shirts!
1 year ago
PinkSherbert says:
Love the t shirts! Well done on your success.
1 year ago
SilverLinesJewelry says:
Wonderful, sweet and inspiring story..
1 year ago
rooftopstudio says:
another inspiring feature! congrats you guys stay awesome.
1 year ago
TheVinylChalkboard says:
Super Cool! I love the shirts!
1 year ago
TCaponePhoto says:
Ohhhhh I love your shop! I've noticed it previously because of my own love of biking. So glad to see your feature and congrats and continued success! :)
1 year ago
ToxicLove says:
great shop! I love your stuff :)
1 year ago
sweetpunks says:
How inspsiring! Congrats!!
1 year ago
trinityrocks says:
Wicked!
1 year ago
divatrevasoapworks says:
Congratulations to the both of you! I love your animals on a bike. What a brilliant idea!!!
1 year ago
divatrevasoapworks says:
Congratulations to the both of you! I love your animals on a bike. What a brilliant idea!!!
1 year ago
treasurebooth says:
I started cycling heavily back in June and I can't stop, so I totally understand the obsession :) How neat that your business is truly a family affair, congrats you guys!!
1 year ago
sydandmarc says:
Love the married couple working from home gig! I love my artsy hubby too and hope to "hire" him when my shop is doing better.
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Congrats on the feature. Inspirational. Just hearted a tshirt for my elephant loving grandson. Muaah!
1 year ago
vsc83 says:
Great article! I can resonate with always working while at home, even in the so-called down time. It's obvious that you guys love what you do, and that's wonderful! Loved this line about putting up the “If you worked here, you’d be home now" sign.. if you find one of these, do share!
1 year ago
ZAPOLdesigns says:
These guys/gals are really great. I remember doing a blog interview with them almost a year back and they have really soared. I am so happy for them!
1 year ago
susanleighwalsh says:
Awesome profile! I ordered a fox on the bike tee for my husband for Christmas and he loves it!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the venus tshirt!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Awesome prints on your t-shirts - really like the funky and mysterious look of them!
1 year ago
jazziesandlilies says:
Truly an inspiration. Love the t-shirt designs!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Awesome prints on your t-shirts - really like the funky and mysterious look of them!
1 year ago
Evajune says:
Really nice items. I would buy everything in your shop. Thank you for sharing your story.
1 year ago
JennifersJewels says:
You guys are awesome! I am so glad I'm not the only one having trouble dividing work and play. When you live your dream, it's like having fun all the time, but then you have to be serious and organized because it's a job.
1 year ago
HollowBound says:
Love how you guys work as a team. Great shirts!
1 year ago
SusanFaye says:
VERY inspiring!! Shows what persistence and trial and error can achieve...I love hearing about this kind of success story!
1 year ago
AleciaWesner says:
What a great story!
1 year ago
iheartmy says:
Love your shirts- fun for everyone! Great advice as well! Thanks!
1 year ago
AmberHeartOfTheFinch says:
So It can be done! Inspirational words I needed to hear as an exhausted mom of three. Thanks!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your graphic t-shirts and a great story!
1 year ago
grandmamarievintage says:
Great article with lots of good advice! And very cool prints. Congrats on the success!
1 year ago
TinkleToots says:
Love that you and your husband work together! Very inspirational...I'd love for my hubby and I to work together one day. Thanks for sharing and best of luck in the future! :)
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Great work, well done. Thanks for sharing your story.
1 year ago
pinkpoison74 says:
Super Sweet shop love your designs and ur shirts look super cozy im all about comfort! Might have to get one of those shirts soon :) xoxo Thanks for sharing your story i wish my guy was as creative as yours lol
1 year ago
Twisuka says:
The partnership, pursuit for awesome artwork and for following your passion is enlightening! I left my 80 hour a week, high profile corporate job to follow my passion also. I volunteered in Africa and am now helping amazing artists in impoverished communities have more opportunities through Etsy. Your story inspires me to keep following my passion and instincts. You never know how things will work out. Thanks for sharing with us! Have you considered selling your work in San Francisco? Cycling, creativity/design and t-shirts are huge here. I could definitely see a fit with the city's culture. Best, Leigh Twisuka - San Francisco, CA & Tanzania, Africa
1 year ago
Gypsymoondesigns says:
Enjoyed reading your story!
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats! Wonderful shop. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Meganhead says:
I love all your designs! I had no clue you guys were based in Tampa until I looked at your shop profile! I will definitely have to buy some shirts from you to support the local businesses! (I live in Clearwater)
1 year ago
SallysJewelsandgems says:
Fantastic shirts and great advice. Good luck!
1 year ago
TheKraftRoom says:
pretty amazing and the best of luck to you.
1 year ago
jenni4k says:
your story is inspiring for me! and i love your shop!!
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
Nice! peace out DevineCollectible
1 year ago
nanioriginals says:
Your shirts are great, looking forward to seeing your new lines in the future. Thanks for the good advice.
1 year ago
SugarKids says:
Great article. Love your line Congrats on your sucess!
1 year ago
sgriparisphotography says:
Awesome shirts!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Great article - Great items :)
1 year ago
SimpleeYou says:
very original prints!
1 year ago
daydreamjewels says:
Cool! Congratulations on your success ;)
1 year ago
mccunele83 says:
First of all - congrats to Coryn & Adam for their exciting feature. I've worked personally with these folks as a wholesale buyer for Powell's Books in Portland, Ore. and cannot recommend their amazing shirts highly enough! Their "Cirque Cycle" designs are such a hit here in bike lovin' Portland!
1 year ago
hankietankie says:
A very inspiring & talented couple! Congratulations on your success! xoxo
1 year ago
hoganfe says:
Great article - inspiring!
1 year ago
imadeyouabeard says:
i would love to have my boyfriend as my business partner, what a lucky arrangement :) these guys are such a good team, wishing them lots more success!
1 year ago
ninalara says:
Beautiful t-shirts!
1 year ago
grimmandgrete says:
A growing family and an at home business, sounds like lots of fun! Cool tees, continued success!
1 year ago
CyanideStitches says:
I was so happy to see you guys as today's QYDJ! My absolute favorite clothing company! Your shirts are beyond amazing, and I wish the best of luck to both of you!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Great designs. Continued success to you.
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Love your designs...love t-shirts. Thanks for the great advice! Aloha
1 year ago
Junienone says:
Congrats! Great article, beautiful work!
1 year ago
qwynwyn says:
awesome shop! I love the combo of animals and bikes!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
very original
1 year ago
MadebyLinLin says:
Great advice and products! You guys are so cute!
1 year ago
Handmadebyani says:
Great Article!!! Thanks for Sharing!
1 year ago
marbled says:
Awesome shirts!
1 year ago
WendyExpressions says:
What a great story. . .my dream is to leave my current "day" job and pursue the creative things i love. . .but i have always wondered. . ."will my love become work and not fun". . .it sound like that line you walk is fun though! - good luck to you!!
1 year ago
rockysprings1984 says:
I thought that dinosaur was an alligator. I wanted an alligator on a bicycle. New idea? Would sell in coastal areas. Loved the article too.
1 year ago
DirtyDeedsSoaps says:
I think those ideas about learning to ship are much needed. When we (and Im sure most) started we looked at every bit of advice on selling...not necessarily the shipping, book keeping, and organization. Wonderful article. I dont think I could do it without the man in my life either, so YAY for COUPLE and crazy hectic lifestyles.
1 year ago
arteangel says:
Love the article, I can very much relate to listing like a maniac, aqnd not knowing how to sort the post, Keep doing what you are doing, and thanx for making me laughx
1 year ago
MethodSeven7 says:
I love your story.. Shaking off the "day job" leaves you with endless earing potential .. You are only limited by what you choose to create... Kudos! And keep up the good work..
1 year ago
MonkeysOnTheRoof says:
I really enjoyed your article. I am lucky to be able to quit my day job and work on our business...now if I can just get my sweet husband here full-time we will be living our dream life!
1 year ago
RAGGEDedgeGear says:
I've had my eye on a couple of your t-shirts for a while now. Congrats on the feature... And I know quite well that wierd line you walk. We walk it too :) Best of luck
1 year ago
nakiat says:
Your collection is amazing! I plan on buying the "fox on a bike" t-shirt for my boyfriend, his last name is Fox and he loves all things Fox! His birthday is this month and I think he'll really like it! Good Luck in the Future, may happiness continue to be yours!
1 year ago
rasamalai says:
Amazing! Congratulations! And thank you for the tip! I'll check out Google.docs right away!
1 year ago
BurnoutBazaar says:
Great to find out more about one of my favourite shops. Inspirational stuff.
1 year ago
FluteTeacher says:
Inspirational! Thanks!
1 year ago
wwchloerunning says:
So fun - and i'm jealous you have so much time with your kiddos!
1 year ago
cozyblue says:
so super awesome!!
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
A lot of hard work and creativity but you made it happen - Congratulations on your success! It's nice to hear that there are others who didn't start a business so "perfectly!" haha :)
1 year ago
madebyhippies says:
you guys rock!
1 year ago
pinkbijou says:
So fun!
1 year ago
SylviaJanssen says:
VERY VERY COOL GUYS!
1 year ago
ilenekay says:
Inspirational and practical advice - thinking through all the business steps from creating what your customers want to having a shipping plan. thanks for the insight.
1 year ago
JashleyCreations says:
Loved the shirts from first viewing! Great perspectives on work/ parenting/ life challenges. I can relate as a single dad of four trying to grow a business at the same time. Inspires me to keep it going!
1 year ago
soule says:
We LOVE our Dark Cycle shirts!
1 year ago
SimplyShadie says:
love this shop!! so excited to see new items coming out! :)
1 year ago
CraftDepot says:
I had no choice; I just recently lost my day job. But I can honestly say that this is the best support I have gotten from my husband since I opened my shop... My day job WAS our only income for a family of 5. Now we are really DEPENDING on the success of my shops to support our family. I hope that we can find the same success that you have.
1 year ago
CraftDepot says:
I had no choice; I just recently lost my day job. But I can honestly say that this is the best support I have gotten from my husband since I opened my shop... My day job WAS our only income for a family of 5. Now we are really DEPENDING on the success of my shops to support our family. I hope that we can find the same success that you have.
1 year ago
PirateWenchTreasures says:
What a lovely story! I love your shirts they are very unique. My husband is a proud owner of your 'Anatomically Correct Heart shirt' & soon we will both be sporting them together!
1 year ago
aerogkyr says:
just LOVE the tshirt :)
1 year ago
bellacruz says:
Good job! My hubby and I work together, too.
1 year ago
bellacruz says:
(Not in creating:). He does the accounting.
1 year ago
pamwares says:
great story - congratulations - well deserved - sums it upi!
1 year ago
jdbrogdon says:
Its inspiring to hear about your story. I love your designs :)
1 year ago
mindfulmatters says:
Great shop, great products, and a touching interview - kudos to you darkcycle - may the skyrocket sales continue!
1 year ago
sewZinski says:
Loved hearing your story! I have a couple of your t's and a tote and no matter where I wear them, I always get compliments and questions about them. PEOPLE LOVE YOUR WORK! Congrats on the success! Very inspiring!
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
Congrats! Very inspiring!
1 year ago
CosmoBeets says:
So amazing and inpiring.....I love this family and all there creations....Truly made with love and good energy! Thank you.....
1 year ago
KimBalee9 says:
I don't understand about love because just broken hearts 555+
1 year ago
AmberGypsySky says:
I loooove the giraffe on the bike sweater!!!
1 year ago
kiwabags says:
Great story, thanks for sharing! Very inspiring and helpful for newbies :)
1 year ago
winnywiffa says:
I am so very proud of you guys! I Love everything that you do! Miss you!
1 year ago
daytonmarie says:
Much congrats! Best wishes to you both and your business.
1 year ago
j2studios says:
How inspiring you two! Thanks for sharing your story! It makes me want to work harder with my shop :)
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great Article Thank you for sharing
1 year ago
GreeneStitches says:
You Rock, DarkCycle! I loved the feature AND the Alchemy "Periodic Table" hoodie I gave to my son for Christmas. I'm so glad to see you are getting the good press you deserve. Kudos to a great couple.
1 year ago
contempojewels says:
Very cool!
1 year ago
nightowlcraftworks says:
Great post! I love this shop. We got some t's for the co-ops Mike worked with. They loved them! Great VERY high quality items <3
1 year ago
Shadowpuppets says:
Your experience is invaluable to me.
1 year ago
RelaxationTub says:
Totally inspired me to continue. Just signed up for Etsy to try and sell here. I would really appreciate everyone's advice on what to do and not to do. Geesh!
1 year ago
doodlekreations says:
I love your t-shirts ! I love biking, so naturally your shirts caught my eye ! Congrats !and good luck :)
1 year ago
cabinwindows says:
thanks for sharing and I have always LOVED your tees
1 year ago
angelaosborn says:
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story! I bought one of your t-shirts as a gift for my brother - he loved it and has since looked you up himself to buy several more!
1 year ago
recrudescence says:
Always inspirational to hear these stories. Much continued work and luck.
1 year ago
WingbornRavenJewelry says:
there is a trick to doing what you love, whilst being aware of what the consumers love as well! kudos on your shared success :)
1 year ago
adamfonos says:
IT's like putting two power engines into one camaro , it is FAST!!! Two is better than one... congrats on your success.
1 year ago
RetroBabs says:
I love the fact you say organization and book keeping is the hardest part. We're artists and our brains don't think on the left side!! We are right brained and proud of it. Now I don't feel so bad..... I need to hire an accountant.
1 year ago
Stephaniemakesall says:
I've made exactly one screen print t shirt, using someone else's stuff, and thought it was cool! wish it wasn't so expensive to get started though.
1 year ago
ethnocity says:
very cool T shirts..love your store:)
1 year ago
LailapCreations says:
Love your story and Coryn, I love your name - Corynne:)
1 year ago
Vanessaisms says:
neato
1 year ago
SpoonfestJewelry says:
Great story. Another great example of where you you could end up if you don't give up. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your feature!
1 year ago
nearsightedowl says:
Lovely shirts and great story about your business and family! <3 Rachele
1 year ago
tinyearsjewelry says:
The octopus on the bike is great! Casey @ tin years
1 year ago
SaraFeiss says:
What a wonderful story! Your shirts are great, I love the designs. Congrats to the both of you on your success!!
1 year ago
CeriseG says:
Great interview, love the animals on bikes!
1 year ago
dramatiquedesigns says:
what a fabulous interview, just lovethe t shirts they are so unique and fabulous!
1 year ago
LaBohemeBijoux says:
Congrats on your successful partnership and awesome shop! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
CarlasFunkyArt says:
Yeah! I love your story, especially the part about starting out on the bottom with old barely running printing equipment! Good for you guys! Congrats on the interview!!! :)
1 year ago
andralynn says:
I aspire to get to a place like where you are at now. Your story gives me hope! Oh, and your shirts are fabulous. :)
1 year ago
QuietRainz says:
Very inspiring! Thank you.
1 year ago
levyphotography says:
thank you for this story, and congrats on your success
1 year ago
PlanetCalamari says:
Congrats to you both. Love your work. Your post gives me hope.
1 year ago
sineminugur says:
Awesome shirts!Great work!
1 year ago
JulyDesignsJewelry says:
Great article! Love those shirts!
1 year ago
SimandCharlieDesigns says:
Love your story! Such a cool couple!
1 year ago
northcountryglass says:
A great story. Sounds like you have your hands full! Trish
1 year ago
breekola says:
congratulations to you both.. keep up the great work!
1 year ago
breekola says:
congratulations to you both.. keep up the great work!
1 year ago
HappyDogButtons says:
So many great ideas in one article. I will definately have to read over and over to take advantage of it all.
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
GREAT STORY. Love your shirts. Good luck with 3 little ones running around.
1 year ago
thesittingtree says:
I totally agree that keeping work and play separate is a very fine line!! So happy for you guys:)
1 year ago
jjhcreations says:
Awesome story!
1 year ago
UptownUrbanCraft says:
Great story. I totally have the same work/play separation problems. Sometimes when I get an idea for a new project it's hard to make myself go back in my studio and plug away on customer's orders. I feel like I work all the time, but I love it.
1 year ago
UptownUrbanCraft says:
Great story. I totally have the same work/play separation problems. Sometimes when I get an idea for a new project it's hard to make myself go back in my studio and plug away on customer's orders. I feel like I work all the time, but I love it.
1 year ago
blissfulchick says:
you have a wonderful shop, thanks for the insightful article
1 year ago
CoutureLife says:
Great and inspiring story - keep up the great work!
1 year ago
mahli says:
Such a wonderful story! I'm trying to get my own Etsy shop together, and I'm nervous about the shipping and organization side of it, like you mentioned. I'll let your success be my inspiration! Well wishes to both of you! http://mollyandaustin.blogspot.com/
1 year ago
ChristinaRomeo says:
Great Inspiring story! Congrats on your Etsy Success!
1 year ago
eSugar says:
You're really living the dream!
1 year ago
worldknits says:
Sent my dad a link to your site after reading this article. He would LOVE your screen printed artwork. He "re-cycles" vintage bikes into gorgeous single speeds and was able to quit his day job too! Re-Cycle Art Aspen http://www.facebook.com/recycleartaspen
1 year ago
thechicrebel says:
beautiful designs, i will definitely be shopping at your shop very soon :)
1 year ago
TruEnglishDesigns says:
I loved reading your story...thank you!
1 year ago
Mandawlfe says:
Your tshirt designs are awesome! I'll have to get the one of the wolf on a bike for my husband...seeing as though our last name is Wolfe and we both believe that the world needs less cars and more people riding to and from work! Would lead to a much cleaner environment :)
1 year ago
vicioussweetcouture says:
you guys are an inspiration! thanks for the story!
1 year ago
beckydesigns says:
Great story, thanks for sharing. My hubby loves his dino on a bike shirt I got him for Christmas!
1 year ago
vintagefusionjewelry says:
thanks for the insight. Beautiful work!
1 year ago
MelissaBeeArtDenver says:
Thank you for sharing your story!
1 year ago
delan says:
Very creative and inspiring work! Congrats to both of you (and growing family).
1 year ago
WireEffectsbyKendra says:
Very Inspiring!! Teamwork is awsome!!!!
1 year ago
brienna says:
creating something you love with the person you love, beautiful. love the name and the animals on bikes, hah!
1 year ago
TheVintageDesignShop says:
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story! Many congrats on your successful business together and growing family. Your shirts are fabulous. :)
1 year ago
ghettovinyl says:
Congrats to you! Great story, good luck now and into the future!
1 year ago
kimychan says:
great artwork. Love it, i wish i know how to do it.
1 year ago
UrbanShindig says:
your story is so motivating to me! I have been making stuff for as long as i can remember and just joined etsy not to long ago so thanks for the great insperation to keep me doing what i love and hopefully one day make a fun living out of it! keep up the great work!
1 year ago
pearlove23 says:
you guys are badass congrats!
354 days ago