by Alissa
If it’s been a while since your last shopping fix, how about some retail therapy with fabulous local brands? I’ve been trying to watch my spending especially during these uncertain times but if I am going to treat myself, I prefer to shop small online. I like that I can support local and buy great items without even getting out of bed! I especially appreciate local brands that have an active Instagram account that allows me to personally connect with these phenomenal “mompreneurs.”
First up in my Shop Small Spotlight Series:
Tru Man Brand (@Tru_Man_Brand)
This brand just makes me OH SO Happy. It’s based in Columbus, Ohio, and is owned by Katie Testerman, a former schoolteacher and mom of three who radiates sunshine and has a perpetual smile on her face!
The “TRU Collection” is available for men, women and kids. It includes raglan tees, hoodies, cropped raw-edge/off-the-shoulder necklines, bags, slim can coolers and face masks (sign of the times!). Each piece has a signature, popular phrase such as: OH So Good, OH So Tired, OH So Happy, All We Do Is Win and more. She also offers custom tees!
Her Instagram includes behind-the-scenes of her life as an entrepreneur, including personal drop-offs to local customers. She also posts consistent, encouraging, inspirational messages for her followers reminding us to “#FindTheGood,” “#BeTheGood” and “#ShareTheGood.”
And speaking of sharing the good—recently, a local teacher named Kristen Scott used Tru Man Brand’s “OH So Kind” shirts to help one of her students complete her senior capstone, The Kindness Project. According to Tru’s Instagram account: “Kristen and her student sold over 500 OH SO KIND shirts. They used the proceeds from the sales to be put in a kindness fund to spread cheer around the community. Most recently, they purchased a couple more tees for Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine and Dr. Amy Acton.”
That is OH SO COOL!
My Personal TruManBrand Faves:
- “On Weekends We Go Nuts” matching Mommy & Me tees because I can never pass up the opportunity to twin with my son.
- “OH So Happy” raw-edge sweatshirt. I love this one because, despite what’s going on in the world, there are still so many things to be HAPPY about!
What’s your favorite business to shop small? Let me know on Instagram: @AlissaHenryTV
Alissa Henry 