Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jimmy Demestre. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jimmy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
As a serial entrepreneur who’s explored numerous business ideas, I’ve learned that the first dollar in a new venture can’t come from friends or family—it has to come from a genuine customer. To truly validate your idea, you need to walk into a potential client’s business, hand them your card, and make your pitch. If someone is willing to pay even a single dollar, it shows you’re offering something valuable.
When I launched DecorateONE, offering embroidery and printing on name-brand apparel with no minimum order requirement, I knew this was our unique selling point, setting us apart from online competitors. With just $40 and some time, I ordered business cards, printed a shirt with my logo DecorateONE, and created a pricing guide with different quantity breaks. I then spent an entire day walking through a corporate office park, visiting businesses one by one. While I didn’t close a sale that day, something unexpected happened—one person passed my card to his wife, who needed 10 embroidered scrubs for her doctor’s office.
That first order was a pivotal moment, validating my business idea. From that point on, we’ve never looked back.
Jimmy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into e-commerce has been anything but ordinary. It all began in my childhood, where I discovered my love for technology by coding video games at the age of 10. After earning a degree in design and graphic art from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I embraced the digital marketplace over 30 years ago. Growing up in New Jersey, I’ve made Florida my home after college and have dedicated myself to building a business that reflects my passion for creativity and innovation over the years.
My major breakthrough came with the launch of www.DecorateONE.com, a platform specializing in custom embroidery and printing on top brands like Nike and Champion. What truly sets us apart is our focus on simplifying the shopping experience for customers, allowing for single-item purchases and offering tiered discounts. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with notable clients such as Amazon and Facebook, helping them enhance their branding through quality apparel.
However, the road hasn’t been easy. Creating DecorateONE.com required overcoming significant challenges, including managing over 3 million product images and navigating complex technical hurdles. A particularly tough period was the closure of my previous business due to trademark issues, which lasted three years. Despite these setbacks, my commitment to my vision has never wavered. I remain dedicated to pushing boundaries in e-commerce, hoping to inspire others to pursue their passions with resilience and creativity.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
As the founder of DecorateONE.com, I’ve always believed in the power of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Through my extensive knowledge in the e-commerce space, I’ve created multiple revenue streams that set us apart from the competition. One of our key differentiators is our unique approach to order fulfillment: while many companies require minimum purchase quantities, we have no such restrictions. This opens the door for brands that previously couldn’t utilize my competitors’ services, allowing us to serve a broader range of clients.
Our business model not only simplifies the purchasing process but also includes hands-on support for our clients. We help them build their websites and manage all aspects of the Direct to Print model, meaning our clients don’t have to hold any inventory. Once a sale is made on their website or social media platforms, we take care of the rest, ensuring a seamless experience for both the client and their customers.
At the heart of our philosophy is a simple but powerful belief: when we help our clients win, we win too. By prioritizing their success and creating tailored solutions, we cultivate lasting partnerships that benefit everyone involved. As I continue to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape, I remain committed to pushing boundaries and inspiring others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I owe much of my success to the insights I’ve gained from influential books and teachings. One standout for me is “The Power of Broke” by Daymond John, which shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who thrived with limited resources. It emphasizes how being “broke” can actually be an asset, motivating me to embrace creativity, hustle, and the perseverance needed to succeed.
Another transformative read is “Think and Grow Rich.” Its core message—that controlling your mind allows you to control your destiny—has reshaped my perspective on money, relationships, and personal growth. Each chapter offers valuable insights that are applicable to any profession, encouraging a mindset geared toward success.
On a more spiritual note, I’ve spent the past 14 years studying Kabbalah with a private teacher, delving into the ancient wisdom found in texts like the Zohar. This journey has taught me the rules of life and how to tap into the Universe to create meaningful change. I highly recommend “The Power of Kabbalah” to anyone looking to shift their reality. This accessible read offers exercises to help break free from limiting beliefs and negativity, guiding readers to align their actions with their higher purpose and discover the limitless possibilities in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://decorateone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decorateone
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decorateonedotcom
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/decorateone
- Twitter: https://x.com/decorateone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DecorateONE
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/decorateonecom