Semi-finalist Q&A: Branded Screen Printing & Design

Branded Screen Printing & Design is a home based business that we started this past June. Since then, we have dedicated all of our time to screen printing for others in the community, offering our services at a discount to youth organizations, clubs and non-profits.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?
We decided that we wanted to screen print, but in a much "greener" way than what is currently available. Most screen printers use a series of very harsh chemicals in order to print on shirts, signs, stickers, etc. We wanted a business that provides an alternative to the surprisingly large amount of people that need garments printed.

What do you love most about running your own business?
We really enjoy being able to make all of the decisions! We can choose to give discounts to organizations we think are worthy and we can also help who we would like to, such as the local University clubs. We also enjoy the networking that goes along with being a business owner and meeting other business owners. Being a part of the community is great!

What makes your business unique?
Branded Screen Printing & Design is unique in the fact that we strive to provide a quality product that does not have the impact on the environment that another company would be producing. We think that preserving our health and the environment with safer chemicals and materials is essential. We also offer many discounts and sponsorships to local clubs, non-profit organizations and those with smaller budgets.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?
We have learned many lessons in having a business so far. The most important one is to enjoy what you are doing. Having both worked in previous jobs where we did not enjoy it, opening Branded Screen Printing & Design has been refreshing and a great experience. We have accomplished being able to provide a great product at a low price with the least amount of impact to the environment.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?
We are going to further our business with the grant money by buying more environmentally friendly products and continue to keep working towards helping as many people as possible.