Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Slater.
Christopher, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an entrepreneur began long before I officially launched Initial Brands Incorporated or opened the doors to IBrandU. I’ve always had a passion for creativity, business strategy, and building something that feels bigger than myself. What started as small ideas turned into a vision to create a company that could help people bring their brands, events, and identities to life in a high-quality, accessible way.
I founded IBrandU, a full-service custom apparel and merchandise print shop, with a mission to deliver professional branding to individuals, small businesses, school districts, and major organizations. Over the years, our company has grown into the #1 Print Shop in Westland, Michigan, known for custom T-shirts, uniforms, embroidery, merch lines, corporate apparel, and complete brand identity development. Under Initial Brands Incorporated, I’ve continued to build out systems, structure, and scalable operations that support long-term growth and top-tier customer experience.
But none of this would be possible without the support of my wife, Britney Slater. She has been my partner in every sense of the word, emotionally, creatively and professionally. Britney is a powerhouse in her own right, and her belief in my vision has helped fuel the momentum behind our businesses. From brainstorming late-night ideas to showing up at events, holding me accountable, and encouraging me to chase bigger goals, her support has been one of the key foundations of my success. Together, we’ve built a life and a brand ecosystem rooted in partnership, ambition, and family-first values.
My story is about growth, community, faith, and the willingness to learn and evolve in real time. I’ve built companies that help others build their identity, elevate their image, and expand their opportunities and I’m proud of the impact we’re making in Detroit entrepreneurship, small business branding, and custom apparel nationwide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but I believe the challenges shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. Building IBrandU and growing Initial Brands Incorporated required more than creativity, it demanded discipline, patience, and a level of resilience I had to perfect.
In the early stages, one of the biggest struggles was learning how to scale while staying true to our standards. When you run a custom apparel and branding company, quality matters more than anything. There were moments when equipment failed, deadlines piled up, or demand grew faster than our systems. I had to learn quick, and sometimes the hard way how to create structure, hire the right people, and develop processes that kept our work consistent and professional.
Another challenge was navigating the financial side of entrepreneurship. Like many small business owners, I had to figure out how to invest in better machinery, technology, supplies, and workspace upgrades without losing momentum. Every decision came with risk, and every risk came with lessons that made our business stronger and more efficient.
There were also personal challenges like balancing long hours, and late-night production runs . Entrepreneurship can feel isolating if you let it, but I’ve been blessed to have my wife, Britney Slater, in my corner. Her support through the toughest seasons kept me grounded and focused. Having a partner who believes in, and shares your vision makes even the hardest days manageable.
These obstacles didn’t break me, they built me. Every setback pushed me to innovate, improve our systems, and grow IBrandU into the trusted printing and branding studio it is today. The journey has taught me that success isn’t about avoiding challenges… it’s about learning how to move through them with intention.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about IBrandU?
At its core, IBrandU is more than a print shop — it’s a full-service branding, creative, and digital solutions studio built to help individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations bring their ideas to life. Operating under Initial Brands Incorporated, we deliver high-quality custom apparel, embroidery, corporate uniforms, merch drops, promotional products, brand identity development, professional web design, and social media management services.
We specialize in turning concepts into complete visual identities. Whether someone needs a new website, a merch collection, uniforms for their team, or a full digital presence, we create cohesive branding from top to bottom.
What We’re Known For
IBrandU has established itself as the #1 Print Shop in Westland, Michigan, trusted by clients locally and nationwide. Our reputation is built on:
Premium custom T-shirts, hoodies, and embroidery
Fast, reliable production
Clean, modern, high-impact designs
Professional web design and site management
Strategic social media management and content creation
Exceptional customer service
Systems that make large-scale and small projects stress-free
We serve school districts, restaurants, nonprofits, influencers, corporations, and entrepreneurs who rely on us to elevate their image and improve their brand presence online and offline.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly separates IBrandU is our ability to offer all major branding services under one umbrella. Instead of a client needing five different companies, we provide:
In-house web design and website builds
Full social media management
Custom merch and apparel
Embroidery and promotional products
Brand identity strategy
High-volume printing and production
This vertical structure through Initial Brands Incorporated allows us to deliver unmatched consistency, fast turnaround, and branding that feels unified across every platform.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Our clients return because they feel valued, supported, and understood. Seeing our work on store staff, school campuses, events, social feeds, and websites across the region speaks to the impact we’re making.
What I Want Readers to Know
IBrandU is here for anyone who needs high-quality branding, design, or merchandise whether you’re launching a business, scaling a company, or upgrading your digital presence.
Our offerings include:
Custom T-shirts, hoodies & apparel
Embroidery & corporate uniforms
Full Brand Identity Design
Digital Web Design & Website Management
Social Media Management & Content Creation
Promotional Products
Bulk Orders & High-Volume Production
Fast Turnaround & Professional Packaging
But beyond services, what truly matters to us is partnership.
When you work with IBrandU, you’re not just a customer you’re a brand we’re invested in.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcasts:
The Right Time – Bomani Jones
Menace 2 Sports – Zach Smith
Domonique Foxworth Show
7pm In Brooklyn – Carmelo Anthony
Club 520 Podcast – Jeff Teague
Books:
Harry Potter Series
All Marketers are Liars
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Outliers
Influence The Psychology of Persuasion
Pricing:
- Custom T-shirts start at $15
- Custom Banner start at $125
- Custom Logos start at $250
- Website Design starts at $1999
- Socia Media Management starts at $799/mo.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IbrandU.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibrandushop/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBrandUSHop/
