Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Porter III.
Hi Jesse, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the t-shirt design arena started in 2016, when me a few of my friends started out trying to find ways to get money in our pockets. After about a year in 2017, I gained a real love for designing. I remember being at my desk at work and designing some art that would eventually become my logo and the name of my company. After we disbanded I still designed t-shirts but it wasn’t until an unforeseen incident hit home I had no choice but to take my business more seriously and get all the necessary tools to actually take my business to higher heights.
In April of 2019, some great things happened I found out my wife was pregnant with our first child and I started to get large orders weekly. Even though the pandemic affected many businesses I was blessed to thrive more than ever and it hasn’t slowed down yet. Within the first half of 2021 I’ve garnered relationships with big commercial companies such as FedEx, Community Chapel, New Mount Pleasant Grove, Black Coffee Co., HISD, Blaze X Black, Big Dawg Family Kitchen, and Channel Independent School District.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Along the road to success, I’ve had a few struggles from time to time. When you start to become successful you find out real quick who your real supports are and who your friends are. On the business side, learning the truth about taxes and regulations has been a huge learning curve. But with great success sometimes there’s limited time for family and free time, and sometimes it can make it rather hard to enjoy your family.
We’ve been impressed with Tru Life Fashion, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tru Life Fashion was created in September 17, 2017, and didn’t become official until April of 2019. We’re a family owned and operated company that specializes in custom t-shirt design, laser engraving, and decals. For most orders we have a quick 24-48 hr. turn around. Most importantly we’re known for our stellar customer service. Tru Life Fashion can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in a household of 9 my parents would instill in us the importance of education and giving your best in anything that you do. I was the second oldest so me and older sister would be responsible for setting the tone for what success was supposed to look like. Growing up I always had a love for art, and primarily thought I would one day become a cartoon animator, but life would later own send me a slightly different way. I got Bachelor’s degree in Technical Management and intertwined that into my t-shirt design business.
Contact Info:
- Email: trulifefashion@GMAIL.COM
- Website: www.tlf2017.com
- Instagram: trulifefashion
- Facebook: @trulifefashion17
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/trulifefashion
