Startup Therapy: The Birth of Talking Tees & More 

I’m the founder of Talking Tees & More, a dynamic business that specializes in customization of apparel  including T-shirts, hoodies, caps and more. I am also a marketing professional with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

My entrepreneurial journey is driven by my passion for innovation in product personalization, leveraging my creativity and graphic design skills to create unique, consumer focused solutions. Beyond business, I am deeply committed to mental health advocacy, integrating awareness initiatives into my company’s platform to foster community engagement and support. This commitment reflects in our products and campaigns aiming to make a meaningful impact.

With a keen eye for aesthetics and profound love for music, books and art, I continually seek to blend creativity with purpose, ensuring that every project not only meets the market demands but also enriches lives.

Talking Tees began amidst the uncertainty of December 2020—yes, it’s a COVID baby!

The pandemic posed unique challenges. As a fresh graduate, I was stuck in a dead-end job with a halved salary due to the lockdown. Job prospects seemed bleak, especially in digital marketing, a field that seemed almost nonexistent at the time. I felt like I was trapped in a dark room, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty; which, in retrospect, was clear evidence of depression.

However, I wasn’t just going to sit back. With a fresh certification from The Chartered Institute of Marketing, albeit lacking hands-on experience, I decided to start a small business. This venture was not just a test of my academic knowledge, but also a practical step towards my career goals. I figured the business would serve as the experience I needed  to get the job I wanted. After carrying out  extensive research during the lockdown, I decided on creating statement t-shirts—a product I loved and would honestly use daily.

Thus, “Talking Tees” was born. The journey from conception to realization taught me graphic design (thank you, YouTube University) and expanded our product line, resulting in “Talking Tees & More”. Staying organized and being kind to myself have been key. I  have learnt the importance of self-care, especially when handling the stress that comes with running a business. Some tasks, like designing orders and packaging, proved surprisingly therapeutic. Positive feedback from clients gives me such a dopamine hit, affirming the path I have chosen.

Running a business demands discipline, a trait that has significantly benefited my mental health, coupled with an established morning routine that sets the tone for a productive day. Despite the occasional overwhelming aspects that come with  being a ‘solo-preneur,’ I’ve found a rhythm that works.

The therapeutic benefits of work, especially creative and entrepreneurial endeavors, are well-documented. According to a study in the Journal of Business Venturing, engaging in entrepreneurial activities can substantially enhance an individual’s mental health by fostering a sense of control, purpose, and self-esteem. And, the autonomy associated with running a business allows for a tailored approach to work-life balance, significantly reducing stress levels (Gorgievski, 2011).

Over time, as I navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, I realized the broader implications of my role. With Talking Tees being an online shop, I spend considerable time on social media, sharing my journey and the lessons learned. This not only helps and inspires others,I hope, but also keeps me accountable in maintaining my mental health. The product lines began to reflect this commitment, emphasizing positive mindsets and mental wellness. I have come to understand the profound responsibility I bear—not just to sell a product, but also to foster a positive and growth-oriented community. I have learned resilience, having navigated the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship in Uganda, and discovered the power of connection through engaging with other mental wellness advocates online. I continually seek to deepen engagement with mental health awareness, recognizing the unique opportunities each post, product, and interaction offers to support others. I am committed to using my platform to break the stigma around mental health and create a safe space for openness through insightful posts, Q&A sessions, and hope to foster collaborations with mental health advocates and professionals to provide structured support and accurate information, as well as sharing personal stories and resources.

For anyone reading this (shout out to you for making it this far), remember; patience is key. Stay open to new information, and understand that a positive mindset lays the foundation for everything else. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison;  but once mindful, gratitude finds its way, and you realize that you are exactly where you need to be. And that is the most comforting thought to me.

If starting a business or any project seems daunting, I say feel the fear and do it anyway—your mental health  just might thank you for it.

I am immensely grateful for my journey and the opportunity to share it with you. To know more about my story and products, visit us on Instagram at Talking Tees & More. Cheers!