Meet Jesse Porter: T-Shirt Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process for starting my own business was to establish a foundation to where I could not be placed in a position to ever be taken for granted by a corporation. After working for various companies and being laid off for economic and non work related reasons, I decided I would try the entrepreneur route. This would allow me to see if I had what it takes to actually go all in and believe in my own self worth.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve been designing t-shirts since 2016, but after being laid off in September of 2017, I’ve been my own boss. I created Tru Life Fashion and never looked back; like any business you have the ups and down, but it’s nothing like being your own boss. I always said that if given the opportunity, I would learn from their mistake and make sure that my customers understand what the value of good customer. My company creates decals, t-shirts, hats, and logo designs, no matter the size of job, large or small. Customer service is the one attribute that sets our business aside from others. While working for different companies, they all lacked great customer service. We guarantee our work, if the customer isn’t pleased we’ll do whatever is necessary to correct the product. Sometimes you only get one chance to make an positive impression on a client; so with that being said the customer is in the design process from beginning to end. The process hasn’t been easy, there have been times customers haven’t paid for jobs and refused to pay after approval of work, it hurt but it was a valuable lesson learned, its business not personal, next time get the deposit and have contracts. Regardless, of the struggles you have to stay motivated and always creating. I want the world to know that if you persevere it always works out, follow your dreams and if you wake up every morning thinking about designing, then you need to design. Your gift makes rooms for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend Bishop is the eyes and ears to the city, I love this taco place called, Velvet Taco. If you’re looking for a great steak and ambiance setting try Steak 48 in the Galleria area. For a homecooked meal or burger, try Exquisite Catering, Burger Tex, Big Dawgs Family Kitchen, or Super Burger in Willis. If you’re into sweets and have a taste for a delectable treat try Crave.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents are part of the reason I’m a entrepreneur, because they’re both entrepreneurs, they laid the foundation for who I am today. Doug my oldest brother has a great deal to do with my success, because he’s always encouraged me to go after what I want, leave everything on the table; that way you can never say you didn’t try, if it fails get back up and go for it again. Amanda my beautiful, intelligent, go-getter wife is the anchor that regardless of the climate of the situation stands besides me to keep me grounded during this journey. Kaleb and Asher my sons are the purpose that drives me to never concede no matter the trials that life may bring.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/trulifefashion
Instagram: Trulifefashion
Facebook: @trulifefashion17
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/trulifefashion