Meet Rodney Dalton | Marketer & Entrepreneur
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodney Dalton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rodney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My passion for fashion, particularly graphic tees, was the catalyst for starting Shirt Shoppe. I’ve always had a specific vision for the type of shirts I wanted to wear, but I struggled to find exactly what I was looking for in the market. During the pandemic, I found myself with extra time, so I took the opportunity to teach myself graphic design. What started as a personal project evolved into something bigger. I initially invested in equipment to print shirts for myself, but quickly realized there was a real opportunity to turn my passion into a scalable business. I knew I wasn’t alone in wanting something unique and personal in my wardrobe. After thorough research and finding reliable suppliers, Shirt Shoppe was born. It’s not just about selling clothes—it’s about filling a gap in the market with designs that resonate with people like me.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
All of the designs at Shirt Shoppe are created in-house, ensuring that each shirt represents my personal vision and style. We don’t sell any third-party designs or resell other brands. Everything we produce is original and made with the same attention to detail as if it were going into my own wardrobe. The goal is to create something that stands out, something that speaks to individuality and personal expression. Definitely some hiccups along the way, but always just keep pushing forward. Progress no matter big or small, gets you 1 step closer to your dream.
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.
Definitely! When I have friends in town, I love showing them the real Los Angeles, away from the tourist-heavy spots. The beaches are a must, but I avoid the typical choices like Santa Monica or Venice. Instead, I prefer more low-key spots like Will Rogers State Beach or Manhattan Beach—they’re more relaxed and give off that true local vibe. I live downtown, so I usually take friends to this cool speakeasy-style bar called the Queensbury, or if the vibe is right, we’ll hit up The Association. And if we’re lucky enough to be here when there’s a Familiar Faces, Must Be Nice, See You Soon, Thug Tears, or FRNDS event happening, that’s always the move. It’s all about creating unforgettable experiences with great company. I also keep a running list of restaurants and places to grab drinks around LA. Ysabel, Catch, Nobu for dinner, Ave 26 for late night tacos, and literally anywhere on the beach for a drink and a view.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The circle of friends that always encouraged me, purchased products, provided ideas, and help bounced ideas or listened to me rant for hours about the pros and cons of this. There are too many to name but Manny, Vince, Gabe, Tyra, Jordan, Jarrod, Ra, to name a few
Website: https://Www.shirtshoppeofficial.com
Instagram: Shirtshoppeofficial; RodneyTyrone
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