United Strands is a site that sells t-shirts with a decidedly design-centric approach.
Website: www.unitedstrands.com
Store’s age: 1 month! (launched June 3rd, 2014)
Platform: Shopify
Payment method: Shopify payments + Paypal
We spoke to Jeff from United Strands, and found out all about the early stages of starting on online store.
Why was United Strands created?
Art, graphic design and branding has always been a part of my life. For the past 8 years I have wanted to start my own brand. One day last year I was out shopping and realized that what I wanted in a clothing company just didn’t exist. That day I decided it was time to go for it.
United Strands was conceptualized at the end of 2013 with a vision to create a unique brand that fuses the aesthetics of bold, modern design with a clear, creative message. With each design we strive to spread visual unity throughout the world.
Who are the people behind United Strands?
United Strands is currently a small husband and wife duo, but we hope to grow quickly as we find our niche in the market.
What was most difficult about getting started?
Making decisions and moving forward is generally the most difficult when getting started on any new project. Being unsure of yourself and constantly changing things is a recipe for failure. We started quickly making decisions and looking at each day with an open mind and that is when the brand started to take shape. We are extremely happy with the outcome and will continue to improve the site and products as we grow.
What is your biggest day-to-day challenge?
Time of course. As a graphic designer you can spend hours designing and feeding your creative mind. I can’t even imagine what we could do with 48 hours in a day.
What is it that brings people to your website? Any particular marketing activities that have proven to be more effective than others?
I think the minimal style of our designs is what brings people to our website. We attract the modern individual who lives a creative lifestyle, just like we do.
Currently we are using word of mouth, newsletters, and social media to build up our following. In the near future we plan to use target marketing and creative campaigns to help build our audience and attract new customers daily. (check out their creative 4th of July campaign!)
Their 4th of July campaign featured discounts on everything blue
What would be your advice to people who are considering starting up their own online store?
Don’t wait until tomorrow. If you have an idea, go for it and figure out the details later. The tools are out there you just have to learn how to use them for what you want. It will be hard work and you will get frustrated and want to quit.
“Just push through to the end. The result may blow your mind.”
Thanks, Jeff, for taking the time to talk to us! We wish you luck with your store!
