Dani Diarbakerly Of King Pro Custom Merchandise: 5 Things You Need To Create a Highly Successful Career In The Fashion Industry

Hard work is the source of happiness, and the fruits of your work are your reward.

As part of our series about the 5 things you need to succeed in the fashion industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dani Diarbakerly.

Dani Diarbakerly is a self-taught screen printer and graphic designer. In 2018, Dani was hired to print at Off-White Nike activation and was included in Hypebeast printing with Virgil Abloh. Dani is the founder of KingPro Custom Merchandise, and was included in Screenprinting Magazine’s Rising Stars in Screenprinting for 2022.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I wanted to be a writer and went to college for English. I started a job copywriting for e-commerce stores, which quickly turned into learning how to build e-commerce stores, which then turned into creating products for e-commerce stores.

Along the way, I got super intrigued by t-shirt printing. I loved how you could take an idea from the computer to a screen then onto a t-shirt in a matter of hours. There was no paint drying and no waiting. It was instant gratification, and I just fell down the printing rabbit hole.

Can you share the most interesting story that has happened to you since you started?

In 2017, my friend Silent Addy designed a Gully v. Gaza tee. We sent out some press kits for the tee and got access to Drake’s address. We shipped him the shirt but assumed it got put in a pile of other gifts he had received, and he probably never saw it. Fast forward to Father’s Day 2020, and we see Drake in the very shirt we had sent him three years prior. It was one of the craziest and most exciting moments we had.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I can’t remember any particularly funny mistakes, but the best lesson I’ve learned is when to say no. Sometimes, the client will contact you with a project that may be low margin with a fast turnaround that is nearly impossible to do. You’re not going to make money on it, and it’s just going to stress you out. Trust your gut and say no.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Like I mentioned, I am a yes person, and I employ people with that mindset. A lot of what I think makes KingPro different is that we try to go the extra mile. I try to be an “add value” vendor, and I make sure that my employees are value-added employees. If somebody asks me to do something, maybe it’s not part of my responsibilities, but if it is possible, I will take on the task.

For example, a few weeks ago, I was hired to print some shirts, napkins, and promotional products for an event. I got to the event, delivered the products, and the client asked me, ‘Hey, I need some help for the event. Can you stay?’ and I thought,…stay? So I ended up being his right-hand person at the event. Anything he needed, I was there to help.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Run your business, so it doesn’t run you. You will be tempted to be “on” 24/7 to respond and entertain every text or request for a mock-up. But, you have to stick with what makes sense for your business. I started my business out of love, but the love of what you do doesn’t make you money. I had to teach myself that the purpose of a business is to make money. The hardest lesson was learning to say “no.” It’s okay not to take an order that will cause too much stress and lose money for your business.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

Being a woman in business is super important to me, and I support domestic violence organizations whenever I can.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my friends, @Normanow, told me in a passing conversation, “I like to go big. That’s my thing. I always go big.”

That statement stuck with me, and I feel like young entrepreneurs need to think about it because it sounds so simple — zero in on what you want. If you’re going to set your sights on something small, you will get a smaller reward. If you’re going to shoot for the stars, you will receive bigger and better results. I think about that simple conversation I had with her a lot. It really changed my way of thinking, and I think it’s something that many young influencers, Instagram personalities, and aspiring entrepreneurs need to think about.

A lot of people tell me they want to order 24 shirts and start their own brands. Somehow they expect that selling those 24 shirts will make them a business person and that it’s going to make them a substantial amount of money. I explain back to them, “You know, if you sell 24 shirts marked up 50%, you will make about $200 to $300. Is it worth your time, energy, and marketing, to make $200 to $300?” Most likely, the answer is no.

You have to think bigger. Instead, set your goal at 72 or 144 shirts. Determine how you want to run your business, create your marketing plan, sell the shirts, and make an impact.

Do you see any fascinating developments emerging over the next few years in the fashion industry that you are excited about? Can you tell us about that?

Accessibility has become a huge thing. People have better access to more vendors, more ink, more everything, based on the changing logistics of the world. It’s become easier to create your own brand and have your vision come to life. More people will be creating their own brands and custom shirts to commemorate special occasions like baby showers, weddings, girls’ trips, bachelor parties, and causes.

Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Top 5 Things Needed to Succeed in the Fashion Industry”. Please share a story or example for each.

• Work Ethic — Being willing to work hard to achieve something seemingly impossible is the key to success. We are at a pivotal time in history where the workforce is changing. This is a huge opportunity to outwork your peers.
• Computer Skills — The ability to use an app or set up an iPhone isn’t enough, and the fashion industry continues to evolve with technology. I never thought of myself as a computer nerd or anything, but I sat down and watched other people who were good at design programs and learned from them. When I don’t know how to do something, I will watch a YouTube video to find out. You have to build your skill arsenal, and there are new tricks, quick keys, etc., that come out every week. You have to keep up to stay relevant.
• Creativity — Having a unique point of view is key. I was working on a website redesign with one of my clients, and I had a creative idea. Instead of the traditional text bio on her “About” page, I suggested a video. That would allow people to re-share for social media and also connect with her on a different level. Unique ideas ensure that you will have lasting relationships with your clients and stand out amongst your competition.
• Drive and Passion — There is no greater motivator in life than being passionate about your work. The best leaders exude that through their work, and noticeable passion establishes trust and shows commitment to your vision.
• Leadership — If you can’t motivate people to work for you, you will always be locked into a box. You have to build your team and figure out how to get the highest quality work to grow your brand.

Every industry constantly evolves and seeks improvement. How do you think the fashion industry can improve itself? Can you give an example?

There is a big trend in what I call “disposable fashion” right now. A lot of styles are available for very low cost and are worn one time for a picture for Instagram or worn to one party, then discarded. They aren’t made with quality or long-term durability. The social and environmental impact of these products is disturbing. I hope over the next few years we see a shift away from this and back to products that have more staying power.

At KingPro I focus on making quality products and recommend higher-end blanks and materials, so people want to keep their items for a long time and wear them over and over again.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could start a movement, I would inspire people to start their own businesses. I think the passion people have for their own ideas outshines what they can do in the traditional workplace.

Hard work is the source of happiness, and the fruits of your work are your reward.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Follow @kingproja on Instagram or for more personal behind-the-scenes: follow me, Dani, @kingprodani.

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!