Shop Talk, hosted by Ink Kitchen, led short sessions on the Impressions Expo Atlantic City show floor on various industry related topics. Every Shop Talk is “brief, on point, and delivered by the best and brightest that do this work every day, sharing their expertise and their vision,” according to the company.
For the session titled “Women in the Garment Decoration Industry: Where Are We? Where Do We Need to Go?” Pam Ikegami of Mirror Image, interviewed Aimee Derouen of Mirror Image, Emily Bihary of Transfer Express, Sarah Unruh of Stahls’, and Jody Mazade of Howard Custom Transfers.
Top Takeaways
“Allyship is integral to the success of women in the industry.” – Jodi Mazade
“Supporting and giving to other women is so much more engaging and rewarding. I’m going to grab you along with me, lifting together as I climb and as I learn.” – Emily Bihary
“Be advocates for other women vs competing with other women. For new business owners, you can’t be everything to everyone so ask questions, outsource, and find someone who can help. Focus on long term goals, but also celebrate the 30-day successes. And don’t forget failures are wins. You’re learning something from your mistakes.” – Sarah Unruh
“Ask the questions. Print Girl Mafia on Facebook is a great resource. – Amy Derouen
“Hire women, especially moms.” – Rick Roth, Mirror Image and Ink Kitchen (from the audience)
