Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Moore.
Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began in 2018 in the Burton Heights area in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Where I started by simply placing images on shirts. At the time it was more basic printing and had a strong desire to figure things out. Through trial and error, I taught myself the fundamentals of printing, learning from every mistake until I found my rhythm.
As my confidence grew, I expanded into working vinyl, teaching myself how to incorporate lettering and design elements. balancing everyday responsibilities while building new skills wasn’t easy, but persistence became the foundation of my growth. I decided countless hours to understanding the craft, knowing that mastering the basic would open the door to bigger opportunities. for me, learning wasn’t just a phase- It became a lifestyle.
From there, I advanced into embroidery, diving into digitizing, thread selection, fabric compatibility, and techniques that create a polished, long-lasting finish. That experience naturally evolved into sewing, allowing me to construct garments from scratch, including shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, and pants. Each step pushed me to expand my creativity and refine my technical skills.
Most recently, I added DTF printing to my skill set, further elevating the versatility of my work. every stage of my journey has been self-taught, fueled by determination, passion, and a commitment to growth, what started as a simple idea has grown into a continuously evolving craft- one where I’m always learning, always improving, and always striving to deliver professional, high-quality pieces.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This Journey has never been a smooth road-it’s been more like a rollercoaster. There have been moments of excitement and progress, followed by challenges that tested both my patience and resilience. Some days everything runs perfectly, and other times machines break down, projects don’t come out the way I planned, and simple tasks take twice as long to complete. Those moments can be frustrating and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re striving for professional- quality results.
Beyond the technical challenges, balancing the demands of learning new skills while managing everyday responsibilities has been one of the biggest obstacles. Handling bills, personal commitments, and the pressure to keep growing all at the same time isn’t easy. There were periods where I had to teach myself complex techniques while also figuring out how to stay afloat, both financially and creatively.
Learning each new process- from printing to vinyl, embroidery, sewing, and DTF- came with its own set of struggles. Mistakes are inevitable, and sometimes materials were wasted, time was lost, and I had to start over. But those setbacks became part of the process. Every challenge forced me to problem-solve, adapt, and improve my craft
despite the ups and downs the difficulties shaped my work ethic and strengthened my determination. The road hasn’t been easy, but the obstacles pushed me to grow, stay consistent, and remain committed to my vision. In the end, the rollercoaster is part of the journey-and it’s what makes every success that much more meaningful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart is that my skill set spans the entire process. I don’t just decorate clothing- I design, sew, embroider, and print. being self-taught in multiple areas allows me to have full creative control and provide unique, customized solutions for my clients. whether it’s a simple custom design or a fully developed garment, I’m able to bring ideas to life from start to finish. that versatility allows me to adapt to different styles, requests, and creative visions.
I’m especially proud of how my brand represents growth and authenticity. Everything I’ve built has come from persistence, learning through mistakes, and staying committed to improving my craft. My brand reflects that journey-hard work, originality, and dedication to quality. I take pride in offering pieces that stand out and feel personal to each customer, rather than mass-produced designs.
What I want readers to know is that my brand is more than just clothing-it’s about creativity and self-expression. I aim to provide custom work that allows individuals, businesses, and communities to showcase their identity through high-quality apparel. I’m constantly expanding my skills, exploring new techniques, and pushing my brand forward, with the goal of delivering professional, unique pieces that people can feel confident wearing.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing an idea come to life from start to finish. there’s something incredibly rewarding about taking vision-whether it’s my own or a client- and turning into a finished piece that someone can wear with confidence. the creative process, from designing to printing, embroidering, or sewing, gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
I also find happiness in growth. learning new techniques, mastering different machines, and pushing myself to improve keeps me motivated. Every time I overcome a challenge or figure out something that once felt difficult, it reminds me why I started. That constant evolution fuels my passion and keeps my work exciting.
Another thing that brings me joy is the impact my work has on others. seeing someone proud of what they’re wearing, supporting my brand, or trusting me with their vision means a lot. it’s more than just clothing-it’s about helping people express themselves. knowing that something I created can boost someone’s confidence or represent their story is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Ultimately, what makes me happiest is the combination of creativity, growth, and connection. Being able to build something with my hands, continue learning, and share that with others makes the journey meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.urbanheightz1.com | imprintableapparel.com
- Instagram: @urban_heightz
- Facebook: Urban Heightz
