Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan.
Jovan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been pretty intentional about what I wanted, and I’ve never really been afraid to go after it. For me, it’s been a combination of hard work, dedication, learning as much as I could, and being willing to figure things out through trial and error.
I first became interested in graphic design my senior year of high school when I attended Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC). At the time, I thought I was going to go to college, get my degree, and eventually get a job with Nike. But once I got to college and realized I was sitting in a room full of people who were essentially competing for the same jobs, I started thinking, why am I competing with everybody else for a job when I can create one for myself?
I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Graphic Design, and I use that degree every day. Whether I’m creating and vectoring designs, preparing artwork for screens, working on embroidery or DTF transfers, or even custom mixing colors, that foundation has stayed with me.
Before I started BAC Print, I also spent time working and learning in other print studios. I paid attention to everything—workflow, the different printing processes, how orders move through a shop, and even how to manage employees. I wanted to understand the business from the ground up, not just know how to print.
BAC Print actually grew out of Bare All, my clothing brand. Bare All started as a class project, and it became a brand that people still recognize today. That experience taught me what consistency and hard work can do. It gave me the foundation to understand branding, customers, and what it takes to keep something going.
From there, BAC Print started small—in a church basement—and eventually grew into the commercial print studio we have today. We’ve continued to expand our capabilities based on what our customers need, and we’ve been intentional about growing at a pace that makes sense for us. Today, we offer screen printing, DTF, embroidery, branded merchandise, and live event printing for businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, and community organizations across Michigan.
One of the things that means the most to me is being able to do all of this in Grand Rapids, in the same 49507 neighborhood where I grew up. Being able to own a building, own a business, and create something in the same community that raised me is something I don’t take for granted.
And through all of it, my family and my faith have been a big part of the journey. I know I didn’t get here by myself. There’s been a lot of prayer, a lot of support, and a lot of people who believed in me along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, definitely not. Business has its ebbs and flows, and there’s a huge difference between knowing how to do the work and knowing how to actually run a business.
One of the biggest learning curves for me was realizing that being a business owner means you have to learn all the things nobody necessarily teaches you. Taxes are a good example. You can fill out one form incorrectly or check one box that you shouldn’t have, and suddenly you’re responsible for thousands of dollars. Then there are city codes, ordinances, compliance, employees, equipment, customers, and everything else that comes with owning a brick-and-mortar business.
You’re constantly learning.
There have definitely been moments where I had to step back, figure out what went wrong, and make a better decision the next time. But I think that’s part of what has allowed us to still be here. I’ve never expected everything to be perfect. I’ve just tried to keep learning, keep moving, and keep making the next right decision.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BAC Print?
Honestly, what I’m most proud of is that we’re still open.
That might sound simple, but it means a lot to me. We’ve been in business for 13 years, and we’ve been in our building for four. We’ve made it through the ups and downs of business, and we’ve done it as a Black-owned business and as a brick-and-mortar business. Those things matter because neither one is easy.
BAC Print is a custom screen printing and embroidery studio. We work with small businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, community organizations, and other organizations throughout Michigan. We specialize in screen printing, DTF, embroidery, branded merchandise, and live event printing.
But I think what really sets us apart is the relationship we have with our customers. We’re not just trying to print something and send you on your way. A lot of our business has been built through repeat customers, referrals, and long-standing relationships.
I’m also proud of the fact that we’ve continued to evolve. I started with a clothing brand, learned the printing business, started BAC Print in a church basement, and eventually invested in our own building. Then we kept listening to what customers were asking for and expanded our capabilities. That’s how we’ve continued to grow without losing sight of who we are.
For me, BAC Print is bigger than printing shirts. It’s about building something sustainable, creating opportunities, serving our community, and showing people what’s possible when you stay consistent.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Grow slow.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew just because you see somebody else doing something bigger.
I could have bought bigger machines, added more equipment, taken on more debt, and tried to grow BAC Print a lot faster. But I’ve learned that growing into your business is just as important as growing your business.
It’s a marathon. You have to pay attention to your customers, understand their habits and what they’re asking for, and make investments based on what actually makes sense for your business.
I think sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves to look successful that we forget to build something that’s sustainable. I’d rather grow at a pace that allows me to maintain the business than grow too fast and put everything I’ve built at risk.
Be willing to learn. Be willing to make mistakes. Ask questions. Pay attention to people who are already doing what you want to do. And most importantly, have patience with yourself.
For me, faith has been a huge part of that patience. I believe God has a plan for me and for this business, and I’ve learned that everything doesn’t have to happen all at once. My family, especially my wife and kids, has also been a major part of the journey. Having people around you who support you, encourage you, and remind you why you started matters.
You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one. Just keep showing up, keep learning, and keep building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bacprint.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/b.a.c.print/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BACPrint
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovan-naves/
