Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month by discovering how Mike started a successful tie-dye business in Los Angeles.
If turning a hobby into a business is considered ‘the dream,’ then Mike is truly living life to the fullest! Mike owns and operates his own tie-dye apparel company called Urban Revel, where he makes creative tie-dye shirts, hats, sweatshirts and other items.
What started as a fun project during the COVID-19 shutdowns quickly turned into a business when friends started requesting custom designs and t-shirts.
“I started Urban Revel for fun,” said Mike. “It was when I was at home going to [school on] Zoom. My friends liked my shirts. I made more and more. Then people asked to buy my shirts. I [then] started a website store.”
Mike doesn’t just do the tie-dyeing, but he also is the creative mind behind some of the popular slogans and sayings that go on his t-shirts. Mike can make customers just about anything, from his popular Zoom-inspired “You’re on Mute” design, to a fan-favorite hoodie that simply says “Dim Sum,” which just so happens to be one of Mike’s favorite foods.
Mike’s mom, Amy Yee, who is a consultant at Easterseals Southern California, says, “For me, it’s awesome knowing he’s doing something he’s excited about and there’s also that sense of security. He knows what he likes and he’s able to turn his interests into something that he can do. You can really think outside of the box about employment when you tie it with your interests.” Mike added, “Pick something you love to do and make it your own business. Start small and have fun.”
Since COVID-19, Mike’s business has really taken off throughout Los Angeles thanks to a loyal customer base. Currently, his attire is available for purchase online, at various community resource events, and at Musichead, a local art gallery where he recently hosted a tie-dye workshop.
“I’m very proud of our community and how they’ve embraced him and the people that we’ve met along the way,” said Amy.
Mike has big plans to expand his business throughout LA while continuing to build social connections and friendships.
“A fashion show would be fun,” said Mike. “I would like to do a pop-up in LA with cool shirts, hats, and other things with music and food.
To learn more about Mike and how you can support his tie-dye business, visit urbanrevella.com.
Watch Mike’s video to Learn About Urban Revel:
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