We recently connected with Esadiva Maven and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Esadiva, thanks for joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were starting over I think one of the things I would do differently would be to go to an ARTS UNIVERSITY. I am proud to be multi talented and self taught. However, I believe society sometimes holds those with degrees in a higher standard and opportunities are given out more freely.

Esadiva, 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?

I got into creating at a very young age. When other children were outside playing, I was inside coloring, painting, and using my imagination to create my own little dream worlds. My mother was a multi-talented creative and seamstress who taught me how to sew by making clothes for dolls. My grandmother was into fashion so I was always obsessed with dressing up! After my little sister was born, I started dressing her up as well! As I got into my teens I found a love with Fabric Paint and began using it to put my thoughts on tee shirts and Denim. The fondest core memories I have, are of my Mom and Nana buying me blank white tee shirts and art supplies as a treat! They literally molded me into who I am today artistically.

As the years went by family and friends would ask me to create for them which included Personalized Gift Baskets I had started to make. This is how my first business, a Tisket A Basket was born.

From that business, what set me apart from others was my ultra personalized touches I would add to my work. This would later influence my MISSION to this very day for E’s Tees & More! It also set the precedent of what clients expect from me.

From these roots grew a multi conglomerate business. I knew I had these unique viewpoints in my head and wanted to make statements by putting them on tee shirts. I took a Screen Printing Class with Professor of Print Hope Rovelto and things skyrocketed. After my first couple of tee designs went well, I started a website and began offering Cutom Printing to clients. So, this is how E’s Tees & More was born! The “& More ” included my love for creating all Custom Wearable Art and Gifts.

When clients have a vision, they know they can trust me with bringing that vision to life. In addition to Custom Tees this includes everything from shoes, hats, accessories, party decor & home decor! I am especially obsessed with themes and creating one-of-a-kind pieces that will turn heads. So, creating for Events and Special Occasions has become a big part of the business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped build my reputation within my market are several things. My honesty, communication, creativity , customer service and dedication to understanding a clients vision. Most of my clients are loyal and returning because of the foundation I adhere to.

Growing up my Mom always taught us “treat others the way you want to be treated”. That is one of the main principles I use in my business. I also have an insane level of paying attention to small personal details which sets everything I make in its own lane. I still believe in old school practices of talking to people over the phone vs. texting and email. With all of these things combined people choose E’s Tees & More every time!

Aside from designing, I also make it a priority to give back to my community throughout the year. Causes dear to my heart such as Animal Rescues (in honor of our family dog who passed away), HIV/AIDS Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and Homelessness. We just celebrated our 10th Annual Toy Drive collecting for the less fortunate In Philadelphia ! I find joy in organizing efforts among my friends , family and followers to help those in Need!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used to work for a Classical Dancewear Co. for almost 10 years . After finding out that I was running my small business on the side they let me go. I was angry, hurt and devastated. There was an innate fear that I would not be able to sustain my life through my art.

So, I took a huge leap of faith and put all of my time and energy into building E’s Tees & More which included starting my website and purchasing more equipment & materials. Looking back, they did me a favor. Valuable skills were learned from that job which have helped me with my own business. I needed to move on so I could focus on what truly mattered and that is doing what I love!

It also inspired me to be more confident and create tees filled with words of Unapologetic Power!
Fashion is the ultimate way to express yourself!

Contact Info:

• Website: Esteesandmore.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: @esteesandmore
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/EsTeesandmore