This week on Shirt Show, Dylan sits down with Kyle and Annie from Print My Threads for a conversation full of practical wisdom, honest shop talk, and a few hilarious missteps along the way. The crew jumps right into discussions around pricing, systems, and finances before pulling back to trace Kyle’s journey from fine art printmaking to running a successful screen print shop in the Ohio River Valley.
FINE ART ROOTS TO FUNCTIONAL FLOWS
Kyle didn’t set out to build a shirt shop. What started as a fine art print journey turned into a business that needed structure fast. From piecing together small equipment to offering print services for indie artists, Print My Threads gradually evolved into a full-time, process-driven shop that supports its team and community.
SYSTEMS MAKE SUSTAINABILITY
From detailed onboarding docs to process maps on the wall, Kyle and Annie believe systems are the secret to maintaining quality without burning out. They break down how tedious orders taught them to design smarter workflows and how eco-conscious decisions became part of their company identity over time.
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LEADING WITH VALUES
One standout moment is Annie sharing how she made the leap from a stable career path into the print shop full-time. It wasn’t just about the job. It was about believing in the business, the team, and their ability to offer meaningful benefits, flexibility, and a work culture that reflects their values. From fair wages to maternity leave to community investment, Print My Threads walks the walk.
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PRINTING THROUGH THE CHAOS
No episode is complete without shop stories, and this one delivers. From cease and desist letters to nearly slicing through product with a box cutter, Kyle and Annie share the behind-the-scenes realities that every shop owner will recognize. But through it all, their mindset remains steady: stay kind, stay consistent, and never underestimate the importance of a good process.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Systems create freedom. A good process protects your time and your team.
- Flexibility builds loyalty. Benefits and values matter to employees.
- Eco-conscious moves compound. Start small, stay consistent.
- Downtime can spark innovation. Use slow seasons to rethink and refine.
- Every box cutter needs a safety plan. Seriously.