T.J. Mousetis wanted to go to Russia. But travel was expensive and fundraising a trying task. So in lieu of sending letters, Mousetis bought one hundred blue t-shirts and had the phrase “walk in love” printed on the front. His plan: sell the shirts and use the profits toward the trip. Not only did he garner unexpected positive interest, but his passion for design and entrepreneurship sparked.
Soon walk in love., a Lancaster, PA based clothing store “dedicated to selling well-designed, high quality products with a positive and inspiring message,” was born. Mousetis took a simple idea, graphic t-shirts, and developed a business that empowered the individual through their positive messages.
Mousetis’ wife, Brooke Courtney, partnered her natural light photography company with the store to promote their merchandise through photographing local models and friends for the company’s campaigns and look books. Soon posters, advertisements, and marketing pieces featured everyday Lancastrian people in well-crafted walk in love. clothing.
The millennial generation is often characterized by its deep need for identification. Walk in love. has offered not only clothing that spreads a positive, Christian based message, but has also contributed to the furthering of Lancaster’s community through creating a company of which the people can be a part.
Walk in love. continues to grow and flex as they expand their store base and variety of products sold. Their fresh, slightly hipster, and all together fun outlook on design sets them apart from other stores. Each member of the executive team integrates his or her various talents within the business (photography, videography, design, entrepreneurial minds, etc.) Walk in love. also remains a great example of the redemptive use of social media as it has sprung up rapidly, promoting through their website, instagram, and twitter.
What started with a simple mission trip fundraiser has become a great entrepreneurial success story. But please do not take only my word for it, visit their website at http://shopwalkinlove.com/ to learn more!
That’s such a heartwarming story, especially since it happened right here! What an inspiring example of entrepreneurship happening all around us. I was especially impressed with the visual design of their website, and their keen ability to create a unique mix of product offerings from toast stamp to t-shirt that were unique but fit the attitude of the site which was refreshingly positive. I’ve definitely found a new place from which to procure gifts for family and friends. Always love a chance to support entrepreneurship!
I think this is a unique display of pivoting in that while not originally intending to create a company, Mousetis realized the opportunity that became available with the quick acceptance of his t-shirt design. Also, the use of social media in spreading the word about this company is a great example of the resource that social media can be to an entrepreneur.