Life & Work with Jacob Prusakiewicz of Lansing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Prusakiewicz

Hi Jacob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally started as Be Apparel, something different than what I am today. Back then I wanted to help promote non-profits by partnering with them and offering an apparel line they could sell to their followers. They would take a portion of the proceed as a donation. It became increasingly more difficult because of bureaucracy to help those who needed it most. I switched gears. I started doing craft/art shows around the state and my Smitten design became popular. I started listening to my customers and came out with more designs that reflected our love of Michigan. Since then, I’ve grown to include wholesale accounts to mom and pops boutiques and contracts with local business. I still do craft shows every summer, although less now that my family has grown. I continue to bring new designs forth every year to keep the brand fresh and follow trends that may pop up, but I do try to create timeless designs and not flash fashion. I use (90%) mostly Michigan suppliers to keep every dollar in our local economy.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The most stressful time was in the beginning. Failing over and over again. Finding what works and improving on it. It took awhile to get my feet underneath me. When I started we were just coming out of the Great Financial Crisis. It wasn’t a great time, but grew every year. I took me almost two years to quit my day job and be able to support myself. Even then only because my living expenses were so low. I split a 3 bedroom house in Lansing for $700, using one bedroom as the printing room. I don’t think any of it was really easy, but growth was steady.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a apparel decorator. I specialize in creating designs that reflect our love of Michigan. I am most proud of my wife. Keeping our household together being the mother to our 4 children, while I live out my dreams. I guess what sets me apart the most is I’m still a one man band. I do have help folding and tagging shirts during my busy season, but I create and print every piece.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Networking has helped me the most. With local business, competitors, sales teams, whoever has some insight into the market or otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livelovemichigan.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveLoveMichigan