Motivational: Opportunities Don’t Happen. You Create Them.

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You’ve probably heard the saying: “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” And honestly, it couldn’t be more true for us small business owners—especially those of us making and selling T-shirts.

Nobody is just going to show up at your door with a line of customers ready to buy. That’s the hard truth. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to wait. You can create those opportunities yourself. And the best part? You’re already doing it every time you show up, post, or press another shirt.

Let me give you a few real-life ways this plays out for T-shirt makers like us:


1. Jump on Trends Before They Pass You By

Think about how fast sayings, memes, or TikTok sounds blow up. If you see one that fits your audience, don’t wait—get it on a shirt! Or if there’s a big local event coming up (like a fair, a ball game, or even pumpkin patch season), create something people can wear to it.

It’s not about waiting for people to ask—it’s about giving them something they didn’t even know they wanted.


2. Team Up With Other Businesses

This one’s huge. Partnerships are like secret doors to new customers.

  1. Pair with a local coffee shop and make cozy “coffee and comfort” shirts.
  2. Offer to do a special run for a local boutique.
  3. Trade promos with another small business—your shirts for their candles, snacks, or handmade items.

Collabs are fun, and they let you meet a whole new crowd without starting from scratch.


3. Show Up on Social (and Not Just With Sales Posts)

Social media isn’t just about posting product pictures—it’s about connecting. Share behind-the-scenes of your press running, or hop on Live while you’re making shirts and chat with your followers.

Even something as simple as letting your audience vote on your next design makes them feel part of your process—and way more excited to buy.


4. Make Your Own “Big Moments”

You don’t have to wait for Black Friday or Christmas to have a sale. You can make your own!

  1. Do a “24-Hour Shirt Drop” and only sell it for one day.
  2. Try a funny theme. For example, at Okie Design Co we have “Treat Yo’ Self Tuesday.”
  3. Do flash deals that create urgency.

The point is, don’t sit back and hope sales roll in—make something happen that gets people talking.


5. Keep Testing New Stuff

Not everything you try will be a hit—and that’s okay. The wins are always hidden inside the experiments. Try UVDTF, DTF, single color prints, spangle prints, or chenille.  You can try them on different items - shirts, sweaters, hoodies, tote bags, or even ponchos!

The only way to find your next bestseller is by trying things, even if some flop along the way.


Real Talk

At the end of the day, opportunities aren’t about luck—they’re about hustle and creativity. You’ve got the press, the designs, and the passion. The next step? Keep creating your own doors to walk through.

So next time you catch yourself waiting for the “perfect moment”… don’t. Just make it. Because the best opportunities are the ones you create.


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