Tell us about your entrepreneurial product or service.
Little Independent focuses on the best in local design. Our goal is to make it easy to find great small business mugs and t-shirts. We have bike shop t’s, toy store mugs and more. There are so many quirky, cool small business logos and by wearing them on a t-shirt or sporting them on a mug, you can show that mom & pop business is important to you. We also have an in-house collection of designs that are available for retail and wholesale.
What inspired you to launch your business idea?
Little Independent originally launched in 2011 as a marketplace for sale items from independent retail stores. It grew to 100 stores in 22 states and Canada. there were a lot of highlights but it wan’t effectively reaching the goals I had in mind for it. I was even considering closing up shop but I had another idea I wanted to try. Many people love wearing t-shirts from their favorite small businesses. Some shops have cool designs but don’t have t-shirts. Others sell t-shirts in-store but not online. My own store, Roscoe Village Bikes in Chicago, was in that category. I envisioned a sort of gallery of great local design with an eCommerce component. We also share stories, photos and news and information about the value of independent business.
What problem does your business or organization solve?
On Little Independent small businesses offer their branded t-shirts online without having to print, stock, ship or process payments. Sales go directly to their bottom line. When an item is sold we split the proceeds 50/50 and send a check or electronic payment.
For shoppers, we make it easy to find unique small business mugs and t-shirts online. These items make great gifts. Vibrant small business districts are associated with charitable giving, safer streets and stronger local economies. Wearing local gear shows that things things matter to you.
What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur and how are you working to overcome it?
My brick and mortar shop is located on a busy street with cafes, salons and other retail boutiques. With so many neighbors, we have a lot of foot traffic so it hasn’t been too difficult for people to find us. Little Independent is an online business so it’s been harder to drum up the traffic we’d like. Many people who would like our products and services are simply not finding us. We work to overcome the awareness challenge by trying our best to improve SEO (search engine optimization,) to network online and off and to keep our content fresh and interesting.
Give us one word that people might use to describe you.
My husband says I can be intense. I prefer passionate but, either way, I’m high energy and very curious about the world. I love meeting people and hearing about what they’re excited about.
How has Project Eve helped you and/or your business?
As I said, I love meeting people and hearing about what they’re excited about. By sharing entrepreneur’s stories Project Eve helps keep me inspired and reminds me that there are so many interesting, creative, problem solving women in the world. That makes me happy.
Give us an insider tip that relates to your industry or startup story.
I think the most versatile file for printing your business logo on a t-shirt would be a nice big PNG with a clear background. Sometimes businesses submit their designs to us with a white background. That can look good on certain colors of t-shirt or with some logo shapes, but the clear background is easiest to work with. If you don’t have that sort of file, ask your graphic designer to send you one. It will come in handy.
Company: Little Independent
Website: http://www.littleindependent.com/
Follow my organization on social media here:
@LitInd
http://www.pinterest.com/litlindy/
Inspired Yet? Need More Startup Stories? Try These:
Startup Stories: A place for Women Entrepreneurs to Work, Connect and Grow their Business!
Startup Stories: The Momista Movement
Startup Stories: Rebel With a Cause, Allie LeFevere
Startup Stories: Becoming Location Independent with Tutors Nirvana
Please submit your story to the largest archive of entrepreneurial startup stories in the world so, together, we can motivate women in business to think beyond traditional boundaries, support one another, embrace change and view challenges as opportunities. Whether you are a small business owner, a freelancer, a serial entrepreneur, own an online business, operate a storefront on Main Street, or even moonlight with an amateur blog our 500,000+ community would like to hear your Startup Story! Answer seven short questions to create a blog of your story today!
303240 100188Id need to verify with you here. Which isnt something I often do! I enjoy studying a publish that can make men and women feel. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark! 256695
832865 365980I discovered your weblog web site on google and examine a number of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I basically extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. In search of forward to reading a lot more from you later on! 75486
212939 816167Merely wanna input on couple of general things, The web site style is perfect, the subject material is rattling superb : D. 425185
735923 748908I admire the useful facts you offer inside your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and also have my children verify up here often. Im quite positive theyll learn lots of new issues appropriate here than anybody else! 535982
146195 325909Hmm, I never thought about it that way. I do see your point but I feel a lot of will disagree 764579
Hurrah, thatís what I was seeking for, what a information! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
I was suggested this blog through my cousin. I’m now not certain whether or not this publish is written via him as nobody else recognise such specific about my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Asking questions are truly good thing if you are not understanding something completely, except this piece of writing gives good understanding even.
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i’m happy to show that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much for sure will make certain to do not overlook this website and provides it a look on a continuing basis.
Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and under no circumstances seem to get something done.
wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
Really nice layout and great subject matter, nothing at all else we need : D.
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant piece of writing.
It’s really a cool and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
282054 748277You got a extremely fantastic website, Sword lily I observed it by means of yahoo. 229609
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you
Okay, and further more if you wish for update alerts from this site afterward you have to subscribe for it, it will be a better for you Jackson. Have a fine day!
—
When I saw this website having amazing featured YouTube video tutorials, I decided to watch out these all movies.
hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
Really nice style and wonderful subject matter, practically nothing else we want : D.
very interesting points you have mentioned, regards for putting up.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance. I must say you have done a excellent job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!
There is visibly a bunch to know about this. I feel you made certain nice points in features also.
My grand father constantly used to watch YouTube funny video lessons, hehehehehe, as he desires to be happy always.
In my house when I get bored, afterward I only ON my computer and open YouTube website to watch the YouTube video lessons.
Glad I detected this on google .
I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to check out new things you post…
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!
Regards for this wonderful post, I am glad I noticed this web site on yahoo.
913455 4742i was just browsing along and came upon your weblog. just wantd to say wonderful site and this post really helped me. 789823
I delight in, cause I found exactly what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
I am usually to blogging and i really respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and hold checking for brand new information.
564296 13193You got a very excellent web site, Gladiolus I located it via yahoo. 953673
An additional issue is that video games are usually serious in nature with the major focus on finding out rather than leisure. Although, there is an entertainment facet to keep your children engaged, just about every game is usually designed to work on a specific set of skills or program, such as math concepts or scientific research. Thanks for your posting.
Admiring the dedication you put into your website and detailed information you provide. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Hi to every body, itís my first pay a quick visit of this web site; this weblog carries remarkable and genuinely fine data in support of readers.
Really nice design and wonderful content, practically nothing else we want : D.
I read this post fully regarding the resemblance of hottest and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article.
Admiring the dedication you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the website is really good.
Today, considering the fast chosen lifestyle that everyone leads, credit cards have a huge demand in the economy. Persons out of every field are using credit card and people who not using the credit card have arranged to apply for one. Thanks for spreading your ideas on credit cards.
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
One more thing I would like to mention is that as an alternative to trying to fit all your online degree tutorials on days of the week that you conclude work (since the majority people are drained when they come home), try to arrange most of your sessions on the weekends and only a couple courses in weekdays, even if it means a little time off your weekend break. This is really good because on the week-ends, you will be far more rested and concentrated with school work. Thx for the different suggestions I have figured out from your web site.
I was just seeking this info for some time. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what is the Google’s problem that does not rank this kind of informative web sites closer to the top. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
I am eager of learning Flash, is there any paragraph related to Flash, if okay, then please post it, thanks.
you got a very superb website, Sword lily I found it through yahoo.
21354 422348 Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this website needs significantly more consideration. Ill probably be once again to read much more, thanks for that information. 933813
Thatís actually a nice movie pointed out within this piece of writing concerning how to write a post, therefore i got clear idea from here.
Outstanding post, I think website owners should acquire a lot from this website its really user friendly.
Excellent post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!
I have observed that car insurance firms know the automobiles which are susceptible to accidents along with other risks. Additionally they know what form of cars are prone to higher risk along with the higher risk they have got the higher the premium charge. Understanding the easy basics connected with car insurance will let you choose the right kind of insurance policy which will take care of your requirements in case you get involved in an accident. Thank you sharing a ideas on your own blog.
Utterly pent subject material, thankyou for selective information.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
this website. I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts
from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities
has inspired me to get my own site now ;)
Hi, I do believe your site could be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful website!
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people don’t speak about such issues. To the next! Best wishes!!
Thanks for the blog post, is there any way I can get an update sent in an email when you write a fresh post?
You are so cool! I do not believe I have read anything like this before.
So wonderful to discover someone with a few unique
thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
This website is something that is required on the web, someone with some originality!
If you are concerned to learn Search engine optimization strategies then you have to read this paragraph, I am sure you will get much more from this article concerning SEO.
Thanx for a very interesting site. What else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I have a challenge that I am just now working on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things
to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!