Life & Work with Julie Swopes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Swopes.

Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Jules Co. as a hobby. I actually started making leather earrings in the beginning. A lot of my friends and family liked them, so I thought why not start a business page! After several months of posting earrings, it grew, and then I made my first shirt for myself.

I posted about that, really not thinking anything of it and it was a hit! I mean who doesn’t love a comfy t-shirt. I felt like it was something I could have fun with and get creative with so I just kept it going. I started getting custom order requests and then wholesale orders, it was crazy!

Looking back at the start, I would have never imagined this is where I would be right now. I’m enjoying it, meeting so many other small business owners, and learning so much about how to run a business!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been smooth sailing the whole time. Starting this as a hobby and then growing into an LLC, I have had to learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes of a small business all while being a stay-at-home mother. It became a lot to handle at one point.

When my first holiday season came I was working all the time when I could find the time. I would wake up before my kids got up, during their nap times, and then once they went to bed. I wanted to run a business while still enjoying free time with my kids in a husband.

Eventually, we needed to rethink my time so we started our kids in preschool/daycare so I could have designated time to work and then really focus on my kids and family while they were home. Looking back, being busy is such a good problem to have and I’m so grateful for that!

There are not enough hours in the day that’s for sure, but I’m learning what works for my family and I, while still having fun with it!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Jules Co. Designs does custom apparel for all! I make t-shirts and sweatshirts for your coffee-loving friend, fur mama, KC lover, teacher, new mom, bride-to-be, you name it. I launch collections that I put together, I take custom orders and wholesale orders.

I have done shirts for bachelorette parties, first birthdays, family reunions, and much more. A personalized shirt can really add to your event or make someone feel special with the perfect gift geared toward what they love!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, everyone in my family was creative and I didn’t feel like I fit into that category until now with my business! My mom enjoys sewing, my dad is a great woodturner, my brother is a graphic designer also with a t-shirt business and my sister is always on-trend.

It wasn’t until I had kids I found this hobby that I enjoyed and could have a creative outlet.

Pricing:

• T-shirts $28
• Sweatshirts $36
• Hoodies $45

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.julescodesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jules_co_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julescohandmade

Image Credits
Taylor Kaup of Wyatt and Quinn Photography