If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our conversations with small business owners, it’s to never let competition keep you from starting a business you’re passionate about. So, when Jackie Green, a mother and professional “tie-dyer” had the epiphany to start her own tie-dye company, she didn’t think twice about leaving her corporate fashion job.
“I love tie-dyeing and I have always loved repurposing clothing and accessories,” Jackie said. “Last year, I turned my hobby into a business and officially launched Dye It Pepper. Our mission is to upcycle garments, reduce our carbon footprint, and give old clothes a new life.”
Dye It Pepper now has more than 2,000 followers on Instagram and Jackie operates out of a studio space in Port Richmond, Philadelphia. We sat down with the queen of color to learn more about how she built her brand and what’s next for Dye It Pepper. Check it out below.
How did you get into the fashion industry?
In between college and “real life,” I had my own accessories line — specifically turban headbands made from vintage scarves. I also sold a curated collection of vintage accessories and had a secondhand denim business. Eventually, a recruiter from a large fashion company reached out to me for a job and I couldn’t say no. At the impressionable age of 24, I dropped everything and went to work for one of the biggest retailers in the country.
Unfortunately, after about two years as a buying assistant, I felt like I had lost my ability to create.
And then in February 2018, my entire world came to a screeching halt when I suddenly lost my mom at the age of 58. I am still coping with the immense loss and every day is a struggle. But, last spring, when I started creating again, I felt the first surge of happiness and peace.
I feel so happy and fulfilled when I am tie-dyeing and creating unique pieces. My mom was the light in so many people’s lives, mine especially. She didn’t simply float through life, she was bold and bright—like my designs.
Tell us about your new project, “Sacs By Jac.”
This is how it works: You submit a request through our website and we’ll send you a pink branded Dye It Pepper “sac,” which you can fill up with anything in a shade of white that you want us to dye (up to 5lbs).
Each sac comes with a color choice card, which allows you to choose a color for each item you send in. We also include a prepaid mailer that’s already addressed to us, so it’s super easy to mail back.
Once we complete the dyeing process, we send back your sac with all your clothes beautifully revived, washed, and ready to wear!
How many people are on the Dye It Pepper team?
Initially, it was just me. And then in October, I started bouncing around the idea for Sacs By Jac with a friend. After much brainstorming and discussion, we decided that she should join my team.
I desperately needed a website and, before she came along, I didn’t even own my own computer! She’s been a huge asset to the company.
Tell us about the biggest challenge you’ve had as a new business.
I have had many! In the world of customization, it’s expected to be accommodating but I have trouble drawing the line. I often find myself doing way more than I initially planned in order to meet a customer’s expectations.
I have also run into the normal growing pains that most startups face—I don’t have a business background and I get frustrated when I have to take time away from tie-dying to create an Excel document or go over expenses and emails.
What are your 2020 plans for video marketing?
I want to make videos that highlight the different reasons to fulfill a Sac order— bachelorette parties, college sorority events, home and closet organizers, the list goes on and on! I’d love to make super short, fun videos so people can see the creative process and so I can market to a bunch of different audiences.
I would also love to make a video where I answer FAQs—videos are a great way for people to follow along and connect with a brand in a way that they can’t get from just a photo.
Any advice for someone looking to start their own business?
Just start. If you believe in what you are doing, others will too.
