Life & Work with Marlon Fluker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlon Fluker. He and his team share their story with us below:

Detroit Custom Tees was founded in 2021 by Marlon Fluker, who was born and raised on Detroit’s West Side. He was a graduate of Redford High School, class of 1992, where he first designed a t-shirt for his senior class. That’s where it all began! He later graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Downtown Detroit with a BA in graphic communications. Growing up in Detroit and being a lover of art, Marlon’s mission for Detroit Custom Tees was to create and design fashionable graphic tees that would appeal to young and old, local and native Detroiters. So, he developed an online t-shirt store during the pandemic, and is in the process of growing his Black-owned business. 

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?
Since Covid began, one good thing was it’s been convenient to be able to establish my store online, rather than having a physical storefront. Some of the challenges I had included finding the right printing partner that would give me quality products at a fair price. Also, just learning the ins and outs of advertising on social media to build a strong following. Right now, there’s so much competition with many other online t-shirt companies just like mine. I always have to stay one step ahead of my competitors. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Detroit Custom Tees (Marlon) specializes in unique, custom graphic t-shirts with that Detroit attitude. What sets me apart is my wide variety of designs are original and creative, I only use top-quality materials from the printer, and products are shipped quickly so my customers’ satisfaction is guaranteed. I’m most proud of the customer base I am building from the ground up, and getting rave reviews and repeat buyers. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
It’s not so much luck as it is hard work and persistence. Once I set a goal for myself, my mission is to complete it thoroughly through the ups and downs. If I run into obstacles, I use my problem-solving and business skills to get through it. So far, that has been my secret to success. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.detroitcustomtees.com
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DetroitCustomTees

Image Credits
Detroit Custom Tees