January 18th 2006:ex-boyfriendcollection.com

1.why the name ex b/f?

The name came from a shirt I reconstructed a few years ago. I had just been through a bad break up and found the ex's shirt in my laundry. We weren't speaking so he wasn't getting it back. Instead I gave the shirt a make over. In its new form the shirt was tiny, girly and flirty. It was so effective at capturing guys' glances that the "Ex-Boyfriend" shirt took on a legendary reputation. When I started designing tees and accessories for my label I thought it would be the perfect name for the company. All the products in our line have a playful conversation-piece style that'll help customers attract a few dates, maybe even break a few hearts. Our tagline "add to your collection" is a double entendre -- it could be about adding your collection of exs or adding to your collection of our merchandise, maybe even both.

2.when did ex start?

I've been designing tees and accessories for a couple of years but I didnt' start working on turning it into a business until the summer of 2005. The Ex-Boyfriend website officially launched in early December of 2005.

3.Have any big Fans?

I am not sure who our biggest fan is. I know there are some fans out there though. One of my friends is a dancer and she had an Ex-Boyfriend t-shirt with her at a dance event. Apparently some one liked it so much that they stole it out of her bag -- sweat-soaked and all. 4.does ex have any mascots? We have a logo -- the guy under the "No Boyfriend" sign. I guess he is our mascot.

5. what do you like better fabric or beads?

Fabric.

6 what new craft do you plan on learning in 06?

I should really learn how to knit or crochet.

7. whats the coolest thing you have learned since opening ex?

I've gotten a lot more acquainted with the crafty business world and I've been so delighted to get to know other people who share my interests and find out what a terrific, supportive, inviting community it is. The people I've met in the crafty business community always inspire me.

8 Is ex a one person store or is it more then one behind the store?

It is a two person company for now. It's run by me and my boyfriend, Matt Snow. Matt and I both share in developing product ideas and designs. He does most of the illustrating for t-shirts. I do most of the public relations work, advertising, and promotions. I also do most of the boring paper work side of running a business -- invoices, taxes, etc.

9 what advice would you give others about starting a online shop?

Do your research and get to know the market. Find out what other online shops are doing and figure out what you have to offer that would be unique and interesting. Think about who your ideas would appeal to and how you're going to reach that audience.

10. what band do you listen to when you are crafting?

I listen to so many different things. It changes all the time. Lately I've been listening to Death Cab for Cutie, Nightmare of You, Cut Copy, Maritime, Ben Lee, and The Elected.

11.in 10 years what are you see youre self doing with ex?

In 10 years we'll have a much larger product line. We have so many design ideas but it doesn't make sense to pay to produce a million different things without building up a customer base. We're just starting out so we've got a few designs that we love available now but within a few years the selection we have to offer should be far greater.

You can find ex-boyfriend here.ex-boyfriendcollection Item to check out .Robot button