Merch Culture

In the Season 2 premiere, Rich sits down with Tyler (National Creative Director of Product) for a deep dive into the art and science of screen printing. This episode is a practical masterclass on choosing the right decoration method—based on both garment type and design style. From 100% cotton and blends to polyester, Tyler breaks down how different fabrics interact with inks and techniques like p...

Everyone talks about the wins in entrepreneurship—the flashy moments, the big milestones, the Instagram-worthy highlights. But what about the gritty, unfiltered side of building a business? In this episode, we dive into the real story of how we financed Culture Studio from the ground up. From throwing parties to fund our first studio to taking loans from friends and family, refinancing homes, and...

Imagine a robot catching hot garments off the production line—no more physical strain on employees! We talk about our newest team member, 'Robo One,' designed to handle repetitive tasks and allow our team to focus on more skilled work. This shift not only boosts productivity but also improves job satisfaction. Learn more about our journey into workplace robotics and automated features in this epis...

In this episode, we break down the impact of the latest trade tariffs on the fashion & apparel industry.  Whether you're a consumer, an apparel entrepreneur, or just tariff-curious, this is the real talk behind the headlines. No fluff, no politics—just insights and firsthand stories from the factory floor.

In this episode, we explore strategies for building a successful brand, focusing on product development and manufacturing choices. The benefits of starting with core styles—trusted, pre-existing products—versus creating custom products, which offer unique branding opportunities but come with higher risks. Navigating domestic and overseas manufacturing options. Engaging with your audience to unders...

Building a clothing brand takes more than just a great design—it's about vision, strategy, and execution. In this episode, we're diving into the fundamentals of brand building, from choosing the right production partner to the power of product sampling. We share real stories from our early days in the industry, breaking down how guerrilla marketing, community-building, and hands-on product develop...

The industry is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. In this episode, we dive into the trends shaping the future of apparel—from community-driven brand building to experiential marketing and the resurgence of vintage aesthetics. We explore the emotional connections behind fashion, the power of exclusivity in merchandise, and how storytelling transforms products into cultural statements....

How can private label merchandise help elevate your brand? We dive into the essence of private labels, discussing how businesses can source high-quality materials that ensures top-notch merchandise to their customers, setting them apart from generic market options.

In this podcast episode, we're joined by retail expert and new addition to the Culture fam, Rafael. We explore the evolving retail landscape, especially as the holiday season approaches. Rafael discusses the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the importance of brand authenticity, and the rise of customization. Rafael also shares insights on vendor compliance, technological advancements, and the trend t...

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "drops" in e-commerce and their effectiveness as a sales tool, especially during peak shopping seasons like the holidays. We discuss how drops create urgency and exclusivity and contrast them with print-on-demand models.  We're joined by our in-house drop shipping expert, Jordan, who delves into the technical aspects, including integrating drops with pl...

Ready to dive into an inspiring journey? On this week's episode of Merch Culture we chat with Tim Gibson, who transformed from a screen printer to top exec at a leading company in the printing industry.   https://usstandardapparel.com/

What drives the success of Next Level Apparel? It's a combination of their family legacy, industry expertise, and personal passion. In this episode, we're joined by Eric Simsolo, President of Next Level Apparel. Founded by his father 21 years ago, the company initially focused on sublimation printing for sportswear. Over time, it transitioned to developing fabric for fashion and producing stock bl...

Ever wondered how to make waves on social media without spending a dime on ads? Alex from Streetwearhouse shares his secrets on how consistent, niche-focused content creation has catapulted their brand into the spotlight and attracted a huge audience of streetwear fans.   https://www.instagram.com/streetwearhouse_official/

In this podcast episode, John Koo, co-founder of Made, joins us to discuss the origins and trajectory of his clothing retail company. He delves into his family's history in the industry, his detour through environmental science, and his return to fashion with Made's establishment as a streetwear brand. The episode explores Made's niche in supporting young artists and brand aspirants, addressing in...

In this week's episode, we've got Daniel Oh from BTSA giving us the 411 on all the dye & wash trends coming up in the 2024 fashion scene. He highlights the growing adventurousness in color choices, such as lavenders and neons, and the demand for vintage looks achieved through techniques like potassium spray. He also covers the benefits of piece dyeing for bulk orders and the importance of sampling...

In this podcast episode, Rich and Culture's very own lead engineer, Oscar, delve into the complexities of creating a product line. They discuss the engineering challenges, such as managing inventory data from various vendors and designing user-friendly tools for customizing products. Oscar highlights the importance of a simple user experience in product sourcing and the intricacies of setting up o...

Join us this week as we dive into the history of screen printing. From its humble beginnings in ancient China to its modern-day application in art, fashion, and industry, screen printing has left an indelible mark on human creativity. Join us as we trace the evolution of screen printing through the ages, exploring its pivotal role in disseminating knowledge, shaping cultural movements, and revolut...

In this podcast episode, we interview Michelle Moxley, an expert in screen printing, digital development, and artificial intelligence (AI). We explore AI's role in generating artwork and assisting artists, addressing concerns about AI replacing human creativity and the ethical implications. Michelle highlights her work in AI for coding and separations in screen printing, emphasizing AI's potential...

LIVE Merch Culture Podcast from the MADE TO ROQ Stage at Impressions. In this podcast episode of "Merch Culture," host interviews Ryan Moore from Ryonet, discussing his journey in the merchandise industry. They explore Ryan Net's beginnings, stemming from a music band's need for merchandise, and its evolution into a screen printing and e-commerce business. Ryan shares lessons from overcoming chall...

In this episode, join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of collectibles in the merchandise industry. Uncover the hottest trends shaping the collectibles landscape today. What makes certain items fly off the shelves and become instant favorites?   Follow us on socials! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/culturestudio/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/culturestudio Facebook:  https://www...

Join us in this week's episode as we sit down with the visionary CEO of Campus Ink, the driving force behind the innovative platform that creates custom merch for atheletes and students. Discover the untold stories behind Campus Ink's journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the industry. Dive deep into the entrepreneurial mindset that fuels the company's success and learn about...

This week we have the pleasure of talking with Jenna Sackett, the go-to expert in Heat Print on Demand solutions. With a passion for innovation and a knack for transforming ideas into reality, she's here to fuel your brand's success. As a Commercial Sales Executive at STAHLS', she has spent 11 years in the dynamic world of apparel decoration helping businesses unlock their full potential. She spec...

This week we chat about the most anticipated merchandise and business trends of 2024. In this episode, we'll explore the innovative, game-changing ideas and predictions that are set to reshape the world of commerce. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about what lies ahead, this episode is a must-listen.   Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cult...

Culture's Director of HR, Anabel, joins us to talk about the challenges of recruiting employees for a 2nd facility, managing teams in a different state, and maintaining consistency in company culture.   Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturestudio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/culturestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CultureStudioDecoratedMerchandise/ LinkedIn:...

This week we sat down with Elias, the CEO of Tultex. We talk about how to navigate operating a business with family and playing to each other's strengths, and also highlight the new super soft Tultex tee made with 36 singles.   Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturestudio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/culturestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CultureStudioDecorat...