DTF Exploration with Kim Johnson

When you think about transitioning from a career in the funeral industry to running a successful apparel decorating business, it might seem like a giant leap. But for Kim Johnson, owner of Paisley Joe Designs, it was a natural progression that combined her passion for creativity with her dedication to customer service. Let's dive into her inspiring journey and explore the world of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing.

From Funeral Services to Apparel Decorating

Kim Johnson's story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take. With a degree in mortuary science and 22 years in the funeral industry, Kim found herself at a crossroads after losing her mother. Seeking a change, she began helping a friend with her custom t-shirt business. What started as a casual involvement quickly turned into a full-fledged business venture.

"I never thought about opening a business," Kim recalls. "But I got a little Yorkie named Paisley Joe, and she was always by my side. So, I thought, why not name the business after her?"

The Birth of Paisley Joe Designs

Within six months, Kim's business grew from small orders for friends to larger contracts with schools and businesses. Paisley Joe Designs, named after her loyal Yorkie, became a recognized name in the apparel decorating industry. The business offers a wide range of services, including Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, vinyl, rhinestones, screen printing, embroidery, and, of course, DTF printing.

The Benefits of Bringing DTF Printing In-House

One of the significant decisions Kim made was to bring DTF printing in-house. This move provided several advantages:

• Control Over Quality: "You have control over your prints, colors, and sizes," Kim explains. "When you outsource, you don't have that control. Having it in-house means I can ensure the quality is up to my standards."
• Quick Turnaround: Kim can produce a shirt in five minutes if she has pre-treated shirts ready. This quick turnaround is impossible when relying on external vendors.
• Customization: In-house DTF printing allows for on-the-spot adjustments. "If a design looks too big, I can resize it immediately," she says.

The Challenges of Outsourcing

While outsourcing can be convenient, it comes with its own set of challenges. Kim shares a recent experience where outsourced prints didn't meet her quality standards. "The colors were off, and the black had a bluish-red tint," she recalls. "I had to reprint everything in-house to meet the customer's expectations."

Building Personalized Team Stores

Another innovative approach Kim has taken is creating personalized team stores. These stores cater to schools, sports teams, and fundraisers, allowing customers to order directly online. This system simplifies the ordering process and ensures accuracy.

"We set up the store, set a closing date, and then generate reports for what needs to be ordered," Kim explains. "It’s organized, and we minimize mistakes."

The Power of Word of Mouth

Kim's business has thrived primarily through word of mouth. Despite not spending any money on advertising, Paisley Joe Designs has built a loyal customer base. "If you provide good customer service and a quality product, people will talk," she says. "Word of mouth doesn't work if you have bad customer service or poor quality prints."

The Importance of Customer Relationships

Being a small business owner allows Kim to build one-on-one relationships with her customers. This personal touch is invaluable. "People want to know if I have control over the process," she says. "And I do. For some things, like embroidery, I still outsource, but I ensure the quality is top-notch."

Networking and Education

Kim emphasizes the importance of networking and continuous education. Attending trade shows and industry events has been crucial for her business growth. "Trade shows are huge for education and networking," she says. "Even if you learn just one thing, it's worth it."

Tips for Those Considering DTF Printing

For those thinking about diving into DTF printing, Kim offers some valuable advice:

• Do Your Research: "DTF printers require maintenance. If you're not tech-savvy, it might be best to outsource until you build a customer base."
• Test Suppliers: "Order small quantities from different suppliers to test their quality. Don't rely solely on samples they send you."
• Consider a Hybrid Printer: Kim uses a hybrid printer that allows for both DTG and DTF printing. "It offers flexibility and easy maintenance," she says.

The Future of DTF Printing

DTF printing has come a long way and is here to stay. "Three years ago, people thought it was a fad," Kim recalls. "But it's not going anywhere. It's just another print method with its place in the industry."

Conclusion

Kim Johnson's journey from the funeral industry to running a successful apparel decorating business is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to quality, customer service, and continuous learning has made Paisley Joe Designs a trusted name in the industry. Whether you're considering DTF printing or looking to improve your current processes, Kim's story offers valuable insights and practical advice.

As Kim aptly puts it, "Every print method has its place in our industry. It's all about finding what works best for your business and your customers."