Today we’d like to introduce you to LaNor Browder.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts. We (myself, my parents, and two younger siblings) moved to Atlanta in 1987 due to IBM transferring my dad here. I started 5th grade here in Gwinnett County Public Schools, where I remained until the summer going into my Freshman year. I moved back to Boston, as I missed my grandma, family and friends terribly. I made my way back to Atlanta for Sophomore year, and here is where I remained! Of course, going back to Boston every single summer. I became a mom in Summer of 2006 to my beautiful, bouncing baby boy! When he made three weeks old, we headed North to visit. Two of my cousins had babies around the same time, so it was great to be with them. Social media was becoming something, so of course we connected and promised to always post pictures. As gifts, I was handed two matching custom shirts, one for me and one for my son. How cute, right?! Why didn’t I think of this? Years pass, social media explodes, and now my son plays sports. As I follow people on social media and living my best life at ballparks and fields, I notice lots of moms with cool personalized shirts. I wanted to have shirts with my little athlete’s face or name or even team! In 2011 I met a fellow “Yankee” from New York. We instantly clicked! Her son was only one day older than mine, we both had spent a ton on sporting gear and swag, and we both wanted cool shirts.
After doing a little research, we decided we would invest in a single machine to cut designs and begin making our own shirts to wear. Well, we got the attention of other moms. In 2014, Tanya and I decided to open our little shop. The Vinyl Boutique Atl, LLC opened in Lilburn and Snellville. T-shirts, hoodies, bags, jackets, hats, decals, and even umbrellas can be customized. We have made many moms and now schools and youth sports teams very happy, and we hope that continues!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The pandemic was a bit of a blow. Our advertisement was in our work, and being seen around town on our customers. With a shutdown and everyone indoors, no need for Tee’s. Without family gatherings or sporting events, orders slowed a bit. However, after a few months of quarantine, people were ready to be cheerful again! Demand picked up for shirts with cute sayings, grandparents sending birthday shirts to their grandchildren, etc., and we survived!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We provide custom-designed shirts, hoodies, hats and other accessories for all occasions. We have a 10-14 day turn around window for orders, most being ready in 7-10 days. Family vacation shirts, spirit wear for teachers, and sport teams are some of our biggest sellers!
Pricing:
- Custom Shirts $12-20
- Custom Hoodie $25-40
- Decals $1 per inch
Contact Info:
- Email: thevinylboutiqueatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevinylboutiqueatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevinylboutiqueatl
