We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharrelle Baker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharrelle below.

Sharrelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The Biggest risk I’ve taken on my journey is when I left my $80k a year Corporate Job to work on my business full time back in 2016. My last job there was no work-life balance and I left work feeling drained and no energy to do anything else let alone having to print T-Shirt orders I had received . Growing up I always wanted to be my own Boss. I started selling candy in the 6th grade all the way up to my senior year of High School and I must say it was very lucrative ! Once I graduated High School I went to attend Thee Fort Valley State University where I would then major in Business Management & Marketing. While attending FVSU I had been printing shirts and selling them on campus. After obtaining my degree and going to work in the corporate field I was becoming unmotivated and I always wanted to be a barber so before I quit my job I started taking night classes at CEI Hair School in Atlanta,Ga where I obtained my Master Barber License. I completed that 6 month course and would do that part time as I had begun doing my T-shirt business Full-time and I haven’t looked back since . Sometimes I would think how crazy I was to leave my $80k year job to go work for myself and had no idea how I would make that same amount of money . Being an Entrepreneur is something I had always wanted to be and I stood by that. My quality of life meant more than the money . As everyone always tells me “ The Hustle was never on you it was in you!”.

Sharrelle, 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?

Atlanta Custom T-shirts is a custom apparel and printing company that was rebranded in 2014. We specialize in heat press vinyl, transfers, sublimation, and screen printing. We also offer a host of sublimate products such as mugs, license plates, key chains, trophies, plaques, wall decals and more. We are committed to excellent customer service and satisfaction and stand by the quality of our products. We are a full-service Custom T-shirt and apparel company whether you’re looking for custom music shirts, custom family reunion T-Shirts, corporate event shirts or Custom T-shirts for your business.

What makes me proud is that growing up I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I made sure that happened. What sets me apart from other companies is I treat my customers like royalty. I pride myself in the loyalty-generated network I have created with my faithful clients in which I provide remarkable customer service. Also in this business one major point is to accept your mistakes, whether they’re your fault or not. Customers prefer businesses that own up to their mistakes and take steps to correct them. I’ve learned in this business what may seem like your worst customer may turn into a lifetime client.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source for new clients has been the business that I receive by word of mouth and social media! I have printed for many celebrities and high end clients which I don’t really post on social media. I haven’t really had to pay much on promotion because my customers and my work speak for me ! I also have great reviews on Google. I have found that with some customers more often, they refer someone to buy rather than providing a review. I also wear shirts that promote my business all the time.  Furthermore I have to shout out one of my biggest supporters, Ashley Nicole of Hair Rehab Atl she gave me the name “The T-shirt Trapper” and it kind of stuck with me so I made a brand out of it. She is also one of my clients turned friends.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My initial capital to start my business came from money I saved up from years of work because I knew the time was going to come when I took that leap of faith to become a full time entrepreneur. My mom has also been a big supporter in my Entrepreneurial journey as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.TheTshirtTrapper.com
• Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Atlcustomtshirts
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/AtlCustomtshirts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharrelle-baker-a1b65852