Here's our story of how we made the best sweatshirt for gamers AND the billion-dollar brand who took notice. It all started back in 2018… 2/14
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My small business @ateyo_ makes the best zip-up for gamers!
We’re flattered the billion-dollar company @Championesports agrees!!
Maybe a little too much?
1/14pic.twitter.com/MhhG1cRkvd
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In April 2018, after years of work, we launched the Ateyo Zip-Up! It featured:
Oversized double layer hood that fits over headsets
Fitted arms to reduce irritation while playing
Strategic stretch panels
Poly/Cotton sweat-wicking fleece
Comes in Black & Grey
3/14pic.twitter.com/cWC53eti9l
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In Nov 2018, my cofounder
@breannehp was on an 'Apparel in Esports' panel with the CEO of Dignitas. (Sponsored by Champion) On the panel, she talks about the features of our Zip-Up. Then, he admits that@championusa is 'hyper-aware' of our work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhCTwc24Ilo&ab_channel=SportsBusinessJournal …
4/14pic.twitter.com/rHMl2xzmHcShow this thread -
"They (Champion) were sort of hyper-aware of folks like Ateyo...who are doing a really good job…(Champion is) taking the learnings we have seen from the fantastic start-ups like you (Ateyo.)" -
@dignitas CEO, Nov 2018 5/14Show this thread -
We were flattered! Until last month, when
@championesports@dignitas released their 'Gamer Zip Front Hoodie'. It features:Oversized double layer hood that fits over headsets
Fitted arms to reduce irritation while playing
Odor control Fleece
Comes in Black & Grey
6/14pic.twitter.com/jKtuDEO0iY
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After reviewing the details, we’re shocked! It looks eerily similar to ours? Trust us,
@championusa, it takes a lot of hard work to design a great Zip-Up for gamers. So, here's how we make it happen... 7/14Show this thread -
Don’t live in LA yet? Pack your bags. Move across the country with no money and no connections. Find an apartment on craigslist.
Live & work in the apartment with your co-founder. Devote 90% of the space to your business. Sleep with boxes of Zip-Ups in your bedroom.
8/14pic.twitter.com/VF9jo9QwFi
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Read all of Reddit.
Keep up with what's happening on Twitch. Learn the lingo and spend all your free time in chat.
Talk to 1000's of gamers over many years.
Spend every weekend at events. This involves a lot of flying. Ask to sleep on friends' couches.
9/14pic.twitter.com/16oSoG66HT
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Go without any salary! You’ll need that money to put into R&D!
Develop fabric from scratch. Go to the factory every day to check on it.
Sew products on your home sewing machine. Carry them across the country in your suitcase. Sneak them into every event.
10/14pic.twitter.com/0RG6zABI9M
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Hold your launch event at your apartment. Do all the setup and clean up yourself. Repeat for more events.
Use your bedroom, living, and bathroom as a set to create content. Again, do all the setup and clean up yourself.
Use your little brother as a model.
11/14pic.twitter.com/6gpo9hi4SS
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Build your website yourself. Pray it works.
Pick up your first production run in your car. It will take a few trips.
Pack every order by hand. Write a personalized handwritten note to thank every customer.
No money left for a booth? Sell out of your car!pic.twitter.com/fxuyQXQXZq
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Trust us,
@ChampionEsports it’s hard! You’ll want to give up. But, every time someone puts on the Zip-Up, that you worked so hard to design, and tells you it’s their favorite thing they own, it will be worth it. 13/14Show this thread -
Don't worry,
@Ateyo_ will keep making amazing products! You can purchase our Zip-Up here
https://ateyo.com/products/zip-up
Use Code: HARDWORK for the next week and we will donate 15% to @GirlsMakeGames 14/14Show this thread
End of conversation
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