Building a Screen Printing Business from the Ground Up: Jamie Young’s Journey

By ShirtSpace | Mar 03, 2025 |  Updated Mar 03, 2025

Starting and growing a business is never a straight path, and for Jamie Young, owner of Uptown Screen Printing, the road to success has been filled with lessons, challenges, and triumphs. From recognizing a demand for custom apparel to taking a leap and purchasing a screen printing business, Jamie’s story is one of resilience and community-driven entrepreneurship.

Jamie’s journey began in 2018 when she started as a promotional product broker. Quickly realizing that T-shirts were a huge part of her sales, she took the next step in 2020 by acquiring a local screen printing business that had closed during the pandemic. With equipment, a client list, and hands-on training from the previous owner, she built Uptown Screen Printing from the ground up.

Like many small business owners, Jamie wore multiple hats in the beginning—handling everything from printing and answering phones to reaching out for new business. Her commitment to picking up the phone and actively seeking out clients paid off, leading to steady growth and new opportunities.

Through trial and error, Jamie learned valuable lessons about the screen printing industry, from selecting the right apparel brands to understanding the importance of investing in quality equipment. Whether it was choosing the correct ink for different fabrics or ensuring her drying equipment could keep up with production demands, each challenge became an opportunity to improve and grow. Some of Jamie’s favorite apparel brands include District and Bella + Canvas, both known for their quality, comfort, and versatility in screen printing applications.

A major key to Uptown Screen Printing’s success has been community engagement and relationship building. Jamie emphasizes the importance of showing up—whether that means networking, volunteering, or simply wearing your own products as a walking advertisement. For her, referrals and repeat business are the lifeblood of the company, proving that strong customer relationships are just as vital as technical expertise.

For those looking to start their own screen printing business, Jamie’s advice is simple but powerful: ask questions, lean on experienced professionals, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every lesson learned contributes to building a stronger, more resilient business.

Jamie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and community. Uptown Screen Printing continues to grow, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, turning a passion into a thriving business is absolutely possible.