We had the good fortune of connecting with Jini Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jini, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business involved a combination of factors. Firstly, I wanted to pursue my passion and turn it into a career.
Secondly, I saw a gap in the market that I believed my business idea could fill effectively.
Thirdly, I desired the freedom and flexibility that comes with being my own boss, allowing me to set my own schedule and priorities. Lastly, I wanted to create something of value, both for myself and for others, and starting a business seemed like the most fulfilling way to achieve that goal.
“Let’s go back to the second, In January 2020, we were facing a new issue called the coronavirus.
My longtime mentor and business partner in the printing industry, Stuart Cohen reached out to me via email, inviting me to visit his store if I had any interest in the sportswear business. Given the challenging circumstances caused by COVID-19, I decided to visit his store right away.
At that time, Stuart was running a nearly University Georgia item store, located in Forsyth County Cumming. On the day I visited him, parents of South Forsyth football team board members, happened to visit his store too.
In their conversation, the parents of the sports team were probably discussing how to respond to the situation caused by COVID-19. There were likely concerns about ensuring that their children could engage in sports safely and about acquiring uniforms and other necessary items. Additionally, ideas may have been raised about how Stuart and his store could meet these demands.
Interestingly, I immediately thought of opening an online store, while Stuart hadn’t even considered online sales because the schools were located less than a 5-minute drive away.
Right then and there, I decided to open an online store when during their conversation and after explain the concept to the parents. At that time, each sports team had board members gather before games to manually write down orders for all the items, and no experience before team was ordering online. So, everyone agreed that it was possible to safely pick up items via curbside pickup or have them shipped from the store. We all agreed on the spot, and we successfully fulfilled all online orders for South Forsyth High School football team apparel and items starts Feb until August of that year 2020.
Since then, there have been many inquiries from local school sports teams, and over the past three years, we have worked with them to create logos for each team and expanded our online store to offer the items they need, delivering 100% satisfaction.
This became the starting point for me to work with my partner, and it’s hard to believe, but despite the challenges, we persevered. In our first year of working together, sales increased by 40%, even in the midst of the difficult first year due to COVID. And the following year, sales increased by 50%.
Today, I had meetings with parents of two high school cheerleader teams, and the parents who know me well sometimes ask me how I manage so many school teams and ensure that all items are delivered without fail. I consider myself lucky because I love what I do so much, and my work is my life and spirit here. Furthermore, I strive to do my best because when these kids go to college, I want them to become customers of our retail store.
Many people around me often worry and advise me to find a balance between work and life. They say it’s important to strike a balance between work and life, but I believe that if you enjoy and value your work, it becomes your life itself. The most important thing in life, I believe, is not the balance between work and life, but rather leading a life that I control. When I do what I want to do autonomously and find value in it, I consider that to be the balance between work and life.
What should our readers know about your business?
I would describe my job Retail Front for most SEC College apparel & Hard goods we has beautiful store just moved new location and for as a customized service profession in simple terms for Local school’s and Companies.
We specialize in crafting a range of items for school teams or associations, including team spirit wear, booster club items, senior gifts, and gifts for teachers. My role involves meeting with board members or team parents to collaboratively design their logos. Subsequently, I oversee the establishment of team-specific online stores to facilitate sales. Additionally, we offer rebates based on each team’s sales performance. My spirit Lives here most!
We also assist local companies’ customers in promoting their own brands and enhancing their brand identity with stylish uniforms or gifts by collaborating with us on logo design.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1) Stone Mountain, i do love hiking and it’s natural park surrounding a mountain rock carving on its side. The walk-up trail is a challenging, yet family-friendly experience that you can do at your leisure.
2) Game day at Athens, It’s College town in State of Georgia, The vitality and dynamism of the university setting are truly special. I want to express gratitude and recognition to the special and cherished individuals here. I want to shout out to them in such a big way, as we have enjoyed good times together and always supported each other.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“I’d like to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to some amazing individuals and organizations who truly deserve recognition for their outstanding contributions. It’s an honor to highlight their efforts and the impact they’ve made in their respective fields.” First Who is my Mentor & Business partner Stuart Cohen, Co-Branding Partners “Saltymf” Brad & Paul, The Film Guy “Brooks Austin”, RedCoat Alumni Bands, Forsyth County High, Denmark High School, South Forsyth High school & South Forsyth Middle school, Lambert High School all the sports teams, Cheer, Lacrosse, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country, Football, Equestrian, Fishing, Flag Football, Tennis, Bands, Dance, Softball, Gymnastic, so many great team Mom & Dad and Board members, Teacher’s.
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Image Credits
Universities Forever