Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Branton.
Kellie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got a job screen printing in 2010 for a local family-owned business. I worked there until I went out on my own in 2021. I never really wanted to start my own business, but I always had the desire for more. I just didn’t know what more meant. My husband found screen printing equipment in the spring of 2020. It was a great price, and it was not too far away. It literally came with everything you need to screen print. I didn’t think much of it when he told me about it because I just didn’t have a desire to be a business owner. So, time went by, and Ben (husband) saw the equipment again and said this guy still has this equipment for sale, I am going to buy it. I said OK. So, we went and got it, and I am just thinking we are going to print my son’s clothing line apparel and just stuff we want. Well, I did decide a couple of months later (October 2020). I did not pursue ownership immediately. I still wanted to keep my old job which I loved. I didn’t want to leave what I thought was my friends. So fast forward to 2021. I got covid in January and was at home bored out of my mind and decided to start an Instagram page and actually get some business and make some extra money. I did that and got a job or two. I told my boss about it and there was a rule in the handbook that I didn’t know about that stated I couldn’t work there and have my own business. So, heartbroken I had to pick. After prayer and honestly already knowing what God had already led me to do, I told them I was going to continue with Electric Ink. And it has been a whirlwind of ups and lots and lots of downs, but I am getting the hand of things almost 2 years later and I know I am walking the path I am supposed to.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I have struggled with feeling inadequate, not being good enough. I knew nothing about being a business owner. I have struggled mainly with everything being so new. It was really like learning screen printing all over again. I was working in such great conditions where I had all the supplies I needed and quickly went to having to buy and figure out what worked for my new environment. Working by myself has been a challenge because I love people and having interaction with others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I screen print anything you can wear. I am known for my quick turnaround time and quality of work at that quick pace. I am proud of the fact that I can get lots of shirts done in a little bit of time. I am definitely a worker bee and that is where I really flourish, actually printing the items. The one thing that sets me apart is the willingness to go above and beyond for my customer no matter what you want done, I am going to find a way to make it happen.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have always liked that my creativity peaks when I am there. Everyone is so diverse, and it brings something out that you can’t hide. The thing I like least is the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: electric_ink20
Image Credits
Garrett Lee Lee Sight & Sound Co.
