We were lucky to catch up with Gigi Rutledge recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gigi, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

So, the first client I had that was a total stranger was a guy who owns a construction company. His crew was replacing windows in my home. He comes through to check their progress and I’m actually in production mode creating shirts for other customers. He sees what I’m doing asked me if I was able to create some shirts for him and his team. Of course I jumped on the opportunity. I asked him how many shirts he needed and what was his deadline, he told me he needs 12 shirts, I’m like cool so I gave him my email and told him just send me over your design as well as the color and sizes you’ll need. I gave him the price and deposit amount. He paid his deposit and a few days later I had a happy customer. It was a very rewarding experience. From that moment I knew I was ready for more.

Gigi, 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?

Hello! I’m Gigi, the passionate founder of What’s the Tee, a brand that began with a simple yet impactful idea: creating t-shirts. But, as my journey unfolded, I realized it was more than just apparel; it was about empowering women. That’s why What’s the Tee evolved into a full boutique, offering not just clothing but a message of confidence and authenticity.

Fashion is my canvas, and through it, I inspire women to embrace their true selves. But I wanted to take it a step further. Recognizing the importance of personal image and professional development, What’s the Tee is not just a boutique, we’re here to make an impact. It’s about educating and empowering women to show up for themselves unapologetically, in every aspect of their lives.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to equip women with the tools they need to be confident, to stand tall, and to be unapologetically themselves. Whether it’s through our carefully curated fashion pieces or our educational initiatives on personal and professional growth, What’s the Tee is here to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I initially started my business, I started with around one thousand dollars. I used that money to purchase the tools, equipment and inventory needed to create shirts. In the first 6 months it was all money in and no money out. Every dime I made went back into my business. Throughout the first year I learned more about the business I was embarking on, made sure that my business was structured properly, and by the end of the first year I decided it was time to apply for business credit. Since I had grown my money, I no longer wanted to keep spending it. I keep my personal credit solid so I knew I ready to take that next step. Utilizing my business credit has helped me leverage my business more than I ever could’ve anticipated.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy is consistency. Being willing to learn who my audience is and being consistent with myself and my target audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heywhatsthetee.com
• Instagram: @whatsthetee21
• Facebook: @Casual Streetwear