OmahaNebraska.com here with …
La Kesha Johnson.
Please tell me a little bit about yourself and how you came to own your business.
I discovered that I was a creative person back when I was working in the corporate world. I worked at Bank of the West corporate building and as a creative person, that was something that was just like, no, I can’t do this.
So in 2019, I started to explore YouTube for business ideas. One morning, Youtube suggested a video of a guy screen printing T-shirts in his garage. I watched that video at least 20 times, and I was like,”Man, all I wear is T-shirts and hoodies!”
In late 2019, I bought my first piece of equipment: a heat press. Then a few months later, COVID happened and the bank sent us home to work. So from 2020 to 2023, I spent a lot of time just trying to teach myself the entirety of the screen printing process. Everything was closed, so I couldn’t take classes or anything. But in 2023, I decided it was time to invest in some in-person training with my mentor in Texas.
I ended up landing my first big order in August of 2023. So I decided to jump ship because at the time the bank was in the middle of a transition.
I ended up quitting the corporate job September 6, 2023.
What kind of things do you print?
I specialize in screen printing. T-shirts, hoodies, anything you can wear.
I also do what’s called digital printing. Some people may know that as DTF (Direct to Film). So that’s basically just me doing a transfer. I offer embroidery as well.
I also specialize in signage: tablecloths, backdrops, retractable banners.
So a lot of people tend to come to me to get both as a package in one place.
What kind of kind of companies have you worked with before?
I do a lot of nonprofit work. At least 50% of the jobs I get are from local nonprofits.
The other portion of my work comes from a combination of small businesses like coffee shops. I also get a lot from contractors.
What types of apparel have you printed?
The bulk of my work is T-shirts but I also do a lot of hoodies when it gets cold.
I do a lot of zip hoodies and jackets. I occasionally get hats.
Is there a question you wished I would have asked?
My most favorite thing about what I do has nothing to do with the printing.
I love when I get to meet people in person, walk into their establishment, and see
the excitement on their face. It makes me so happy to see people get so excited to see their new apparel!
Another one of my favorite parts about the process is doing the test print. That moment where I get to see that image coming together for the first time, it’s just so great, and I love it.
I get to give back. I get to directly see the impact that I’m making on these businesses and the people that get to wear this apparel. So, that makes me excited!
Call Imperial Custom Printing in Omaha at (402) 290-5538 today for your custom apparel printing needs!
Imperial Custom Printing
Screen printing shop in Omaha, Nebraska
(402) 290-5538
https://imperialcustomprinting.com
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