I reached out to Loud Sisters Shop Owner, Curator & Lead Designer Molly about her fabulous designs, high-quality, cruelty-free manufacturing, eclectic partnerships and focus on giving agency to traditionally marginalized voices.
Her shop, and other small women-owned businesses, are a big part of why “All Things Geek” exists. To highlight businesses that I think are eclectic, cool, socially conscious, and high quality!
Loud Sisters Shop is a new small-batch T-shirt favorite of mine and I think it will be one of yours as well.
They aren’t “just” t-shirts; they are an extension of our voices. They can spark smiles, ideas, and conversations – all of which have the potential to make someone’s day – and the world – a little better.
Loud Sisters Shop
Interview with LOUD SISTERS SHOP owner & lead designer Molly
How did you get started?
I have been a graphic designer for almost 20 years, but in 2014, I went back to school to get my MFA. While there, I actually rediscovered my love of an appreciation for the power of words. After I graduated, I spent about a year as the Creative Director of Sevenly, a t-shirt, and accessories company committed to affecting positive change in the world. Despite its big impact, it’s a small company and I touched and learned about every part of it. I moved on to other things after that, but t-shirt design really stuck with me as an opportunity to spark important conversations.
Why Feminism?
My great grandmother, whom I was lucky enough to have a close relationship with through my late teens, voted in the 1920 election. One of my grandmothers was a foreign correspondent during World War II and narrowly escaped the Nazis during the invasion of Poland. My mother is an incredibly well-educated and well-traveled educator.
There was no way I was going to grow up and be anything but a feminist! But I don’t think I consciously stepped into these shoes until 2016. My daughter was turning 10 that year and the now-former president’s rhetoric was growing ever more unacceptable to me.
Honestly, I finally just got so mad, I made a t-shirt and posted it for sale to friends. The response surprised me – and Loud Sisters was born! My mother, daughter, and I attended the inaugural Women’s March in DC that January.
What’s your design process?
When Loud Sisters first started, my design process was very responsive. I was often reacting to the daily news. As time went on, I decided to trade my anger for something more positive. I started asking myself how I could put good – but thoughtful/clever/intelligent – vibes into the world. Who could I support? Who could I encourage? Who might need my help to lift their voice a little louder?
It is usually the answer to those questions that inform the look and feel of a design – something strong versus something more delicate.
Something brighter versus something more subtle. In the last six months of the pandemic, I gave myself permission to just have some fun! If a design felt good and made me smile and had the potential to brighten someone else’s day, then okay!
We are committed through and through to: engaging designs, high-quality materials, US-based production, no sweatshops/certification, eco-friendly inks, and amazing customer service. –Loud Sisters Shop
How do you choose design partners?
There has to be an idea in the design – that little bit of clever, that little nod to pop culture. Their art also has to be original and high-quality – again, that little something extra, that thing that reminds you an artist – a real person – designed it! Lastly, I only work with folks committed to fair trade/wage practices and eco-friendly processes.
Why should customers choose your shop?
I am working hard to create a thoughtfully curated collection of t-shirts by awesome artists that customers can feel good about purchasing. There are a lot of amazing designers out there who don’t have the resources to get their otherwise amazing designs in front of a larger audience.
That’s where all of my previous experience really comes into play. I love designing t-shirts myself, but I love the idea of cultivating community as well! When people think, “hey, I want to get a cool t-shirt for my best friend’s birthday,” I want them to think of Loud Sisters as their go-to option!
My takeaways
- These shirts are a contemporary/athletic cut.
- Classic side seam for the best look & fit premium fitted crew neck t-shirts.
- Soft tag – tag is screen-printed in the tee for maximum comfort.
- These T-Shirts are super soft, wash well, and for a small batch design shop they are very reasonably priced.
- By paying attention to things like fit, color, and style, you can elevate the humble tee into a versatile, classic piece of clothing that feels great and looks sharp.
Uniformly, all the premium tees both adult & kids I’ve sampled are super soft, pre-shrunk, wash well and use cruelty-free permanent dyes (follow label instructions).
You should definitely take advantage of the sales going on currently and with Fathers Day fast approaching, you can find the perfect T-shirt for the Dad in your life! Visit loudsisters.com
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Art credit-author / Loud Sisters Shop