Small Business Saturday: Unknown Artist (Apparel)

I am so, so, so in love with Unknown Artist apparel!  They have some really wonderful items, all made in the USA.  That's right, it's ALL made in the USA, and there is something for everyone.  When my friends were in from Australia, we went to one of the shops on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where we all made the place a little "greener".  I will get into their clothes in a later post.  Right now, you'll meet the brand.  The following is the written interview that Capri was kind enough to answer:

1. Where and in what year was your business established? Who founded your business?

Unknown Artist was established in 2004 in New York City by my husband Steve and me. We were living in an artist's loft in Chelsea and that's where Unknown Artist was born. We headed out to Los Angeles in 2005 and opened our first Unknown Artist shop in Venice in 2007.

2. Who is your target consumer base?

Our target consumer base runs the gamut as far as age in concerned, from babies to seniors! However, the Unknown Artist consumer is someone looking for something a little different, good quality, locally made and designed, and artistic. Our consumer sees the value in those attributes.
 
3. Please describe the process behind the establishment of your business.

We enjoy being creative and wanted to translate out artistic ideas to t-shirts. Our mission is to create cool classics that never go out of style and using high quality fabrics.

4. How would you describe the relationship amongst your staff?

We are a "Mom & Pop" family based business, run by Steve and me. We have been married for 18 years and have working together and running businesses together for almost 25 years.

5. Where can potential customers find and purchase your products? Do you attend any outdoor events, conventions, farmers markets, etc.?

We sell at our two UA shops on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and on Etsy. We do not participate in any events.

6. Is there anything you want your customers to know about your business that they may not?

All of our designs are original prints created by us. We put a lot of love into our creations and our company, and we hope it shows! 

I can't thank Capri enough for taking the time to be a part of this.  Small businesses like theirs keep us grounded, tied to the community, and provide the quality (both in service and products) that no large corporation/brand can.  From personal experiences, I can definitely tell how much time and love goes in to each piece.  Below are some photos from their Etsy site (all images are owned by Unknown Artist).  They have everything from tanks & tees, to hats and more!  

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist

Image courtesy of Unknown Artist