Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody & Rey Valenzuela of Pasadena DTG.
Hi Melody and Rey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Pasadena DTG got started with a conversation about controlling our own future and our own financial security. We were in the midst of the pandemic and uncertain about our corporate employers. My husband works in retail and I in a niche market in the energy space. We both had concerns about the businesses we worked for and if we would have these same jobs in a year. We decided that we didn’t want that uncertainty anymore. We took our end of year bonus from our jobs and we decided to invest that in our own future. We determined that what we wanted to start with was a printing business and so it began. We purchased our first direct to garment printer within a few months and have worked to grow the business ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road but I think that’s to be expected with any situation, especially a new one. We are new to the industry as printers. It took some time to learn about our machine and what it could and couldn’t do. There were ruined garments, wasted materials, replacement parts and more that required a ton of patience. We had some hiccups along the way but not on the scale that it derailed our progress. I would call it growing pains. We’ve also had times that require extra time dedicated to finishing jobs, with a two-person team that meant working late nights/early mornings aside from our regular “9-to-5” jobs. Sacrifices like that are what we knew we would face when we discussed starting the business. We know that before easier times comes a few rough patches.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Pasadena DTG specializes in direct-to-garment printing. We have printed on many garment types for t-shirts and hoodies and have also printed canvas portraits. With direct-to-garment printing we can keep more of the details in the designs for our clients. We have the ability to print full color graphics with shading and gradients. Those are some of the limitations that you would find when using silk-screen printing or vinyl. We are proud that our clients do not have to sacrifice their designs and that we can bring their vision to life with our print capabilities. We are one of very few DTG printers in the Houston area. Aside from that, our team can assist our clients on designing. We have an in-house Graphic Designer and Photographer. As such, we are able to help our clients take their idea to the next level. We love to make sure our clients are happy with their designs, and we don’t send work out of our shop unless we feel it is the quality of work we want representing our brand.
What does success mean to you?
Defining success. Well, that’s tough because success can be many things. I think what I would define success as is being in a position to help those around you come up. Most people will relate to the notion that there are times in our lives where we aren’t in a position to help others, much less ourselves. We struggle until we’re in a comfortable position. It’s at the next stage, when we’re in a comfortable position AND we can help others be in a comfortable position that I feel we’re most successful. I do not see success as linear. There are many paths to success.
Pricing:
- Shirt Printing starting at $22/ea
- Graphic Design starting at $50/ea
- Photography starting at $60/hr
- Towel Printing starting at $15/ea
- Chest Logo Printing starting at $5/ea
Contact Info:
- Email: customerservice@pasadenadtg.com
- Website: https://pasadenadtg.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/PasadenaDTG
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PasadenaDTG
Image Credits:
Real M-edge
Visuals Serene Images
