We recently connected with Vinay Mullick and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vinay, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur with a deep passion for the sports industry and a knack for identifying opportunities that resonate with fans, athletes, and teams. With over nine years as an athletic director and more than 20 years coaching youth sports, I’ve had a front-row seat to the moments that inspire and unite people through athletics.

The idea for MiniJerzeys began with a collaboration with a colleague in the athletic apparel industry. He shared samples of miniature jerseys with me, and the concept immediately sparked excitement. These jerseys were charming, versatile, and filled with potential to celebrate team pride and athletic achievement. It was clear we were onto something special.

From that moment, the real work began. We took the initial idea of miniature jerseys and refined every detail—from the style and presentation to display options that fans would love. Along the way, we rebranded them as MiniJerzeys, a name that captures their uniqueness and fun spirit. MiniJerzeys became more than just a product—they became a way to honor victories, recognize athletes, and give fans a meaningful keepsake connected to the sports moments they cherish.

My background in youth sports and athletic leadership gave me a strong sense of how MiniJerzeys could resonate in the market. These aren’t just collectibles; they’re tools for building community, celebrating success, and creating memories. As the story of MiniJerzeys continues to evolve, I’m excited to see how this product will inspire and connect fans, athletes, and teams around the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for sports, backed by over 20 years of experience coaching youth athletics and nine years serving as an athletic director. During that time, I saw how sports can shape character, instill resilience, and forge connections that transcend the playing field. It’s this belief in the power of athletics that led me to create MiniJerzeys, a brand dedicated to preserving the moments that make sports so special.

How it all began: My journey into this industry started when a colleague in the athletic apparel space shared samples of miniature jerseys with me. Instantly, I realized these scaled-down jerseys had the potential to become much more than a novelty item. They could serve as a tangible way for players, coaches, and fans alike to celebrate victories and milestones—or simply show off their passion for a beloved team.

What we offer and how we help: At MiniJerzeys, we focus on licensed miniature sports jerseys, custom recognition pieces, and gameday giveaways that capture the essence of team spirit and fandom. While we also offer full-size apparel, our namesake product—the miniature jersey—remains the focal point of our brand. MiniJerzeys address a key need for teams, schools, youth leagues, and fans: they offer a unique, high-quality way to commemorate achievements and build a sense of community. Instead of relying on generic trophies or plaques, coaches and organizations can hand out a personalized MiniJerzey that stands out and truly resonates.

What sets MiniJerzeys apart:

Authenticity & Customization – We take pride in delivering products that look and feel special. From stitching to design, every detail is thoughtfully considered.

Emotional Connection – Sports are about more than just scores and stats. Each MiniJerzey reflects a story—of overcoming challenges, rallying as a team, or representing a proud tradition.

Versatility – Whether you’re a high school coach looking to recognize your players, a college athletic department aiming to celebrate a big win, or a devoted fan wanting to show off your team colors, MiniJerzeys provide a keepsake that works in countless settings.

What I’m most proud of: Watching MiniJerzeys resonate with diverse groups—from kids at sports camps to major brands and high-profile athletes—has been a fulfilling journey. I’m proud that our products can bring so much joy and create lasting memories. Seeing people treasure a MiniJerzey honoring a game-winning season or a personal athletic milestone reminds me why I started this company in the first place.

Key takeaways for potential clients and fans: We believe in the power of sports to teach life skills and unite communities. MiniJerzeys is about storytelling—each piece is a snapshot of a special sports moment or a testament to hard work. We offer both miniature and full-size apparel, but our signature MiniJerzeys form the heart of our brand’s identity. We strive to innovate, collaborate, and deliver products that truly matter to those who love sports as much as we do.
Whether you’re a coach seeking a creative way to celebrate your team’s accomplishments, a fan looking to commemorate a memorable event, or an organization wanting to keep spirits high and build camaraderie, MiniJerzeys will help you capture the unique essence of sports and preserve it for years to come.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Early on in my journey with MiniJerzeys, I heard countless “no”s from people who just didn’t see the value. Being a proud Chicago sports fan, it hit especially hard when some of those rejections came from my local teams. I’d often hear things like, “It’s cute, but I don’t know what to do with this.” Still, I believed wholeheartedly in the concept—these miniature jerseys were a creative way to celebrate and remember the most meaningful moments in sports.

Those early “no”s forced me to refine the product, sharpen my pitch, and stay committed to my vision. And it all paid off. In just the past six months, I’ve secured partnerships with two NBA championship-caliber franchises: the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors. Even more exciting announcements are on the horizon. We’re also proud to be involved in philanthropic and community outreach efforts led by NBA players Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) and Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers), reinforcing our commitment to using MiniJerzeys to support local communities and youth sports programs.

The takeaway? Sometimes people won’t see what you see, especially at first. But if you truly believe in your product, keep pushing. One “yes” from the right partner can make all the difference—and open doors you never thought possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had to pivot countless times in this journey, but one of the biggest shifts came when I realized that just showing people the product wasn’t enough. Initially, I assumed that everyone who saw a MiniJerzey would automatically understand its purpose—that they’d want to hang it in their office, sports cave, or dorm room as a fun keepsake. But I soon discovered that many potential customers didn’t immediately grasp its potential or how it could fit into their lives.

I had to pivot the way I told the story of MiniJerzeys. Instead of relying on customers to “get it” at first glance, I started using better photography, clearer marketing language, and more compelling examples of how they could display or gift a MiniJerzey. I showed them on a stand in a home office, framed and mounted in a fan’s sports shrine, or handed out at a team banquet as a memorable recognition award.

This shift in storytelling—rather than changing the product itself—made all the difference. Once people saw MiniJerzeys in real-life settings and understood the emotional connection they could create, they were far more open to the idea. It was a reminder that no matter how great you think your product is, sometimes you have to guide people toward understanding its value before they can truly appreciate it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minijerzeys.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minijerzeys/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minijerzeys
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/minijerzeys/
• Twitter: https://x.com/minijerzeys
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MiniJerzeys

Image Credits

Boston Celtics Photos: Temitope Bajulaiye
MiniJerzey Photos: Zac Shiner
Jalen Brunson Photos: Second Round Foundation
Max Strus Photo: Max Strus Camps