How blank garments helped build a profitable business
2025-07-30
When Inês, a 32-year-old graphic designer, decided to quit her full-time job and follow her dream of working independently, she never imagined that the key to success would lie in something as simple as a plain t-shirt. At the time, all she had was creativity, the desire to teach, and one idea: to create textile customisation workshops.
She started with a small group of friends, gathered on a Saturday afternoon to try manual printing techniques on plain t-shirts. The idea was to show how anyone could turn plain clothing into unique pieces with a personal touch. The feedback was so positive that she decided to organise a public event. The first workshop sold out in less than a week!
Choosing plain textiles as the base of the project was strategic. By using neutral pieces like unprinted t-shirts and sweatshirts, Inês allowed each participant to unleash their creativity without limits. The plain clothing became a blank canvas, ready to receive new ideas, and it was precisely that freedom that attracted so many people.
Moreover, plain garments have a major advantage in textile marketing: they are versatile, affordable, and highly customisable. She quickly realised she could sell workshop packs that included garments ready for personalisation, increasing her earnings. Each t-shirt sold with the workshop added not only value but also an opportunity to showcase product quality and gain loyal customers.
Promotion began organically, with photos of participants sharing their creations on social media. Inês’s personal brand grew, and her business became more than just teaching techniques. It turned into a creative community centred around clothing personalisation.
Today, Inês runs an online store where she sells customisation kits with plain t-shirts and sweatshirts, paints, brushes, and video tutorials. The in-person workshops continue, but now there are also digital versions that reach the entire country. Through the simplicity of plain textiles, she created a scalable and sustainable business model.
Inês’s story shows that plain clothing can be much more than a basic product. When combined with creativity and strategy, it becomes a powerful tool for expression and a solid base for textile marketing projects.
Whether you're starting a brand, a course, or an experience, the possibilities are endless.
And it all starts with a t-shirt!
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