Daily Inspiration: Meet Stephen Simmons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Simmons.

Hi Stephen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We started out as PreachintTees in a time that skull and bones were being sold on everything. I wanted to come out with positive things on shirts. I created a Detroit shield logo that sold like crazy and it shifted our focus in a different direction. Though there was a shift in direction, we made sure to incorporated Mat 5-14 in the design of our shield logo. It is very important to give GOD the glory in everything we do.

Our shield logo is actully a history lesson of Detroit. It tells you who, when, and how Detroit was formed. Our Brand is centered around Detroit’s rich history. Every shirt has a meaning, we are not just printing pictures on clothing. Each and every design is thought out, and designed to tell a story or message.

We decided on Vintage 1701 because we wanted to represent Detroit with out putting Detroit on everything, to allow for unlimited expansion. Our goal is to use the date our city was founded to expand our reach outside of our city limits. Our vision is to have 1701 merchandise representing our city world wide.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a brand is definitely not an easy road. There has been obstacles and challenges everywhere. It has been a complete learning experience and still on going. Sometimes it can be so overwelming you want to just give up. I cant express in words all the struggles along the way, but here is just a few.

1. Product design
2. Manufacturing Cost
3. Advertising
4. lack of Social Media experience and knowlege of algorithms
5. Low on line sales
6. lack of help, building a reliable team
7. over investing in product instead of marketing

It has definitely been a long road.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a investor, land lord, and I also do construction work on the side. I have not punched a clock in over 20years.I am self taught in every thing I do and I can do anything I set my mind to. I think my super power is never giving up no matter how long or hard the road can be.

The thing I am most proud of is taking care of my mother in her final years of fighting cancer. She tought me how to LOVE and Im glad I was able to be there for her until the very end.

I think what sets me apart is I always look for the good in people first. Being this way has caused me a lot of heart break and disappointment but I would not change who my mom taught me to be for the world.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Well! I was definitely a head of the game because Detroit is on the rise. I knew it before it started to happen. I’ve literally seen properity values go from a few thousand to half a million in a few years. I believe we will be the next mega city, like New York or Chicago. I believe we will continue to expand at record speed. The population, businesses and Properity value will continue to grow at record breaking rates over the next 10 years in Detroit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vintage1701.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintage_1701_detroit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preachingtees