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84 • PPB • NOVEMBER 2015 CONNECT
of the dishes I eat and review them. I also love to upcycle,
which comes from my love of thrift shopping and my aversion
to wasting misprinted t-shirts. I take old, used and outdated
clothing or scrap materials and make new things. For example,
I gave everyone pajama pants and shorts one Christmas that I
made from overrun t-shirts at our business. I have also made
zippered cosmetic bags from fused-together grocery store
plastic bags.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy giving my customers unique and head-turning
items with their logo on it. I like giving them something free
they didn’t expect as well.
What was your first job, and what lessons did you learn?
My first job was an internship while I was in college study-
ing electrical engineering. I worked at AT&T Bell
Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey, one summer. I learned
that excellence is always rewarded.
What motivates you in business and in life?
My faith in God and belief that He has purposed me to be
great in everything I do motivates me. Leaving a legacy for the
young people I mentor is also a motivation for me in business
and in life.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
When I started, I prayed and asked God for favor as I dove
into an arena where I had no experience. I was able to win a
multi-year contract which then led to more contracts. That was
the start of exponential growth. I am most proud that when I
joined Already Gear in 2006 the gross sales were less than
$70,000. I helped to grow the company exponentially to over
$1 million by 2011.
What advice would you give to an industry newcomer?
Learn this industry and the products we sell. Be familiar
with trends, and by all means understand artwork. With those
skills honed, you can build an awesome business. Be nice and
fair to people. Don’t try to make all the money. The money will
come when you do great business. And have fun! Make your
business fun!
Julie Richie is an associate editor for PPB.
On Screen
As an actress using her maiden name
(T.V. Blake), Teresa was in several movies,
including Jackie’s Back! (1999), Matchups
(2003) and Chosen Life? (2004).
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