Best Startup
SEJIYS offers a wide array of clothing with original designs and, brand/ logo parody designs by Sage Thomas. All products are handcrafted to perfection. Specializing in tie-dye shirts and embroidered upcycled clothing, you’ll never see someone with the same shirt as you when you shop at SEJIYS.
Tell us about yourself?
I’ve always loved drawing ever since I was young. In my teens I spent four years attending a graphic arts school in New Jersey. It was during this time I found a love for creating parodies of brands and their logos in addition to my cartoon style designs. I made stickers of these designs and parodies for fun and soon enough I was making money selling them for a dollar apiece. The attention to my stickers and designs prompted me to create SEJIYS. I now operate out of Buffalo NY where I also sell my products at various festivals and events.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
If I could give myself some advice for myself from a year ago it would to be to take more chances on myself. You never know what an opportunity can yield for you if you don’t take it.
What problem does your business solve?
It brings color and creativity to an industry that more and more promotes being neutral colors and blending in.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
Shortly after I started selling stickers of my logo parodies, someone told me ‘Hey, that would be cool on a tshirt.’ I had always wanted to design clothing, so I thought why not give it a try? I print and embroider original and parody designs on beanies, hand-dyed tie-dye shirts, and on upcyled clothing to reduce waste, making each piece one of a kind. my parody designs are inspired by Wacky Packages. I’ve always loved their designs and play on words with brand names.
What is your magic sauce?
I combine hand-made tie–dye, embroidery and printed designs to make each piece of clothing. No two are alike, you’ll never see someone with the same shirt as you!
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
In the next five years I plan on expanding the number of products I offer on my website and selling my clothing at local events.. oh & continue to create more designs and drawings!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
As a small business owner you have to learn to do many things besides your chosen craft. I’ve had to learn web design, SEO, Barcodes, and many other things. You don’t know what you don’t know but, that has to be a challenge rather than a deterrent to be successful.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
If you love our products and would like to sell them in your store, email sejiysllc@gmail.com. You can see more on SEJIYS.COM social media: tiktok (@sejiys) or instagram (@sejiys and @sejiysbrand). the various shows SEJIYS will be selling at will be announced on social media.
