Conversations with Annie Mir

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Mir. 

Hi Annie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Annie – founder and designer of a local apparel brand called Atypical Apparel. I create apparel with vintage inspired collegiate designs for game day and every day wear.

Maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
After I graduated college, I was working full-time at a corporate retail job. I felt unfulfilled in my day-to-day role and was really struggling with the idea of putting all of my time and energy into a 9-5 desk job. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and eye for design, so I decided to start something of my own as a creative outlet.

With OSU game days being such a main event in Columbus, I was inspired to create Ohio themed apparel. My first collection was 4 Ohio t-shirt designs, and my first sales were actually to my co-workers out of a box at my desk!

Since then, I’ve continued to design a variety of pieces and sell to people all over the country through my online store. I’ve also had the opportunity to sell wholesale to other small retail shops, and participate in pop-up shops/markets throughout the city. Social media and word of mouth marketing have played a huge role in the growth of my business, and I am so thankful for all of the support over the years!

What do you think sets you apart from others?
Quality is everything to me. I spend a lot of time sourcing my garments to make sure that I love the fit and comfort. I don’t sell anything that I wouldn’t wear myself. Also, I really try to consider fashion trends. Although my designs are inspired by old school vintage trends, I look for trend-forward silhouettes that I think my customers will love.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There are so many little things that come along with running a small business (even one as small as mine) so I am always learning!

When I first started, I had no graphic design experience or screen-printing experience. I really didn’t even know where to start when it came to things like apparel design, or building a website, or registering a business etc. But, through a lot of online research and help from friends and family, I figured it out day by day.

I think the most challenging thing for me now is learning to manage my time between my full time job, and Atypical Apparel. It is a lot of work managing both, and I’d be lying if I said it isn’t a little overwhelming sometimes, but it I love creating and it is so worth it to me to spend time doing what I love and see my work come to life.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
THANK YOU to anyone who has purchased my apparel! I absolutely love meeting you guys and seeing you wear my designs. It means soo much to me every time I see an order come through.

I also couldn’t have started this business or continued to grow it without the support of my friends! My best friends are my models in all of my photos, always there to offer a second opinion and my biggest supporters.

My Mom has been a big help too in helping me get started and always encouraging me. She is an entrepreneur herself so has always pushed me to just go for it.

Working with other local business owners and creatives is very encouraging too and there is always something to learn from them. I am very thankful for this community and all of the support I’ve had over the years. 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atypicalapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atypical_apparel/
• Email: hello@atypicalapparel.com

Image Credits
@atypical_apparel