Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It really did start with that feeling, that desire to help people experiencing a specific kind of loss. When the person who had been providing that service was no longer able to, it left a void, and I knew I had to do something. So, here’s how it went from that initial idea to actually getting A&D Royal Ink off the ground:

The First Spark:

The idea wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was a strong pull. I remember the exact moment. I was talking with a friend about the gap in services, and it just hit me – I could do this. I had some creative skills, and I knew I could learn the rest.

Day 1: The Research Begins

The very next day, the research started. I dove into understanding the custom apparel business. I needed to know:

Equipment: What machines were needed? Heat presses? Printers? What kind of software?

Suppliers: Where could I source quality blank apparel and accessories? What about inks and other materials?

Printing Techniques: What were the different methods? Screen printing? Heat transfer? Direct-to-garment (DTG)? Which would be best for my needs and budget?

I spent hours online, reading articles, watching videos, and even contacting people in the industry to ask questions.

The First Month: Laying the Foundation

That first month was a whirlwind of activity.

Business Plan: I started drafting a basic business plan. This wasn’t a formal, investor-ready document, but it helped me map out the essentials: my services, target market (initially very focused on that specific need in the community), basic costs, and pricing strategy.

Finances: I had to figure out how to fund this. I looked into personal savings, small business loans, and even considered crowdfunding. I started small, prioritizing the essentials to keep initial costs down.

Legal Stuff: I researched what it would take to register my business in Pittsburgh. Things like getting the necessary licenses and permits, and deciding on a business structure (sole proprietorship to start, to keep things simple).

Sourcing Equipment: This was a big one. I decided to start with a good quality heat press and a reliable printer. I found a local supplier who offered a used machine in good condition, which helped with the budget.

Finding Suppliers: I spent a lot of time researching suppliers for blank apparel. Quality was important, but so was affordability, especially in the beginning. I found a couple of wholesalers who offered good options and reasonable minimum order quantities.

The First Few Months: Learning and Setup

The next few months were all about learning and getting the actual operations set up.

Learning the Craft: I practiced a lot. I experimented with different printing techniques, materials, and designs. There was definitely a learning curve, and there were some early “oops” moments, but I was determined to get it right.

Setting Up Shop: I converted a space in my home into a small workshop. It wasn’t fancy, but it was functional. I organized my equipment, materials, and supplies.

Building a Basic Website: I created a simple website to showcase my services and provide contact information. I wasn’t selling online yet, but I wanted to have a professional online presence.

Networking: I started reaching out to people in the community, letting them know about A&D Royal Ink and the services I offered. I connected with local community groups and organizations.

2016: Launching A&D Royal Ink

Finally, in 2016, A&D Royal Ink officially launched.

First Orders: My first orders were small, mostly from word-of-mouth referrals. It was incredibly rewarding to see my work making a difference.

Word of Mouth: I focused on providing excellent service and high-quality products. Word-of-mouth referrals became my most effective marketing tool.

It wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. But seeing the positive impact A&D Royal Ink had on people made it all worthwhile. And that passion is what has driven me to grow and expand the business over the years.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi everyone! I’m Andrea Jones, the owner of A&D Royal Ink, a custom apparel and accessory printing business based right here in Pittsburgh.

My journey into this industry is deeply personal. It wasn’t necessarily a lifelong dream, but rather a response to a very specific need in my community, one that I myself experienced. There was an individual who provided custom apparel and accessories to people who had lost a child, creating items that offered comfort and a sense of closeness. As someone who has also lost a child, I personally benefited from those services and understood firsthand the profound impact they could have. When that person was no longer able to provide those services, I recognized the void it left and the importance of that support. That’s what sparked the creation of A&D Royal Ink in 2016.

At A&D Royal Ink, we provide a range of custom-printed apparel and accessories. While our services are available for all kinds of needs, we have a deep connection to creating pieces that hold special meaning, commemorate loved ones, and provide comfort. We offer t-shirts, and other items that can be personalized with unique designs, photographs, or messages.

I believe what sets A&D Royal Ink apart is our strong focus on the “why” behind what we do. It’s not just about printing a design on a shirt; it’s about creating something that can help someone feel connected, remember a loved one, or express themselves in a meaningful way. This is more than a business; it’s a way to provide support and understanding, because I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that comfort.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our stellar customer service and fast turn around times is what continues to build our reputation in the market At A&D Royal Ink, we provide a range of custom-printed apparel and accessories for all of life’s moments. While we have a deep connection to creating pieces that hold special meaning, commemorate loved ones, and provide comfort, our services extend far beyond that. We offer t-shirts, and other items that can be personalized with unique designs, photographs, or messages for any occasion, including:

In loving memory events

Corporate events

Family events

And much more

I believe what sets A&D Royal Ink apart is our strong focus on the “why” behind what we do. It’s not just about printing a design; it’s about creating something that captures an emotion, commemorates a life, celebrates a milestone, or strengthens a bond. This is more than a business; it’s a way to provide support, understanding, and a unique form of expression, because I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that comfort.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Running A&D Royal Ink, it hasn’t always been a straight line. There’s been a constant need to adapt, to listen, and to shift gears when things don’t go as planned. One time that really stands out is when I realized that while my core mission—helping those grieving—remained vital, A&D Royal Ink could be so much more.

See, I started with this very specific focus, and it was important, it was my “why.” But what I began to see was that the power of custom apparel and accessories to connect, to commemorate, to express belonged to more than just one situation. It’s a universal thing.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working with a family on a memorial order, and then the next day, I got a call from a company wanting shirts for a team-building event, and then someone else about a family reunion. And it hit me – it wasn’t just about loss, it was about connection. It’s about marking all of life’s moments, the good and the tough.

That’s when I realized I needed to pivot, not in what I did, but in how I saw it. I had to broaden my perspective.

It was scary, to be honest. I had built A&D Royal Ink on this foundation, and now I was saying, “Hey, there’s more to this.” But here’s what I learned:

Your “why” can evolve: My core reason for starting, that deep desire to help, didn’t change. It just expanded. The “why” was always about connection, and I just started seeing more ways to make that happen.

Don’t be afraid to expand your vision: Sometimes, we get so focused on our initial idea that we miss other opportunities. It’s okay to let your vision grow, to embrace new possibilities.

Versatility is a strength: Being able to serve different needs and occasions made A&D Royal Ink stronger, more resilient, and able to reach more people.

That pivot taught me that business, like life, is about growth and adaptation. It’s about listening to what the world needs and being willing to evolve. And it taught me that even when you think you know your path, there might be a wider road ahead, filled with even more opportunities to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adroyalink.com
• Facebook: A&D Royal Ink