Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Noyes.
Hi Angie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Hi, thank you so much for having me. I am originally from Chicago and settled here in San Diego after serving in the military. I have always been really creative and a serial entrepreneur. I remember starting a hand poured candle business way back in the early 2000’s lol. My passion has always been making things. I grew up on the southside of Chicago and cheered pretty much my whole childhood. Most of the teams I performed with didn’t have fancy uniforms but we always had one creative parent that would make us shirts to perform in. I know how it feels to be a part of a team and look like a team. I carried that into my career as a United States Marine, making t-shirts and accessories as a hobby for my unit. I started Shine Universe™ with a t-shirt and a cheer bow. I was the coach of a youth cheerleading team, and we had a commitment to fundraise for the season’s competitions. We didn’t have uniforms yet and being a Marine Veteran, I just couldn’t have my team going out looking all mix matched. So, I went to a local print shop, told them what I wanted, and was not impressed with the process, the selection of materials, or the price. Cheerleaders like to sparkle! I asked lots of questions, watched countless videos, and then bought a vinyl cutter, a heat press, glitter heat transfer vinyl, some t-shirts, and some ribbon. Every season, I got better. I taught myself newer techniques, bought better materials, and upgraded my machines. I grew from making items for just my team to making all kinds of spirit wear for several Youth (Pop Warner & AYC), Middle School, High School, and All-star teams. And not just cheer teams; I recently completed an order for a High School Cross Country team bows!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t exactly been a smooth road. Whenever you hand-make something you worry about the quality, if the customer will like it, inventory and supplier shipping issues, and just plain self-doubt. My business was very cyclical as I focused on the cheer season, so the rest of the year I had nothing. I had to learn (I’m still learning) how to market my products, how to scale so that I am not just focused on cheer apparel and accessories, and how to improve my processes to get more done quickly without sacrificing quality. I am really thankful to God and my husband for always having my back. As well as my children that have worked with me since the beginning; pressing, gluing, packaging, and learning every aspect of the business. Without this support system the struggles would have seemed insurmountable!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Shine Universe™ specializes in customized athlete and fan spirit wear for youth, high school, and all-star teams. But, I would really like everyone to know that we don’t just make cheer bows. We also create celebration apparel and décor for all kinds of teams, events, holidays, and group trips. We create personalized apparel, accessories, and promotional products using heat transfer vinyl, direct-to-film textile ink, adhesive vinyl, laser and chemical etching, laser engraving, painting, and sublimation. We have been in business for 6 years and strive to provide excellent service and quality to our customers.
Even though I don’t want to put the focus only on cheer bows, because we really do so much more, one of the proudest moments for me is when I see a cheer team on the KUSI Prep Pigskin Report wearing the bows I made. I am over the moon!!!
I am very proud of my work and I think the thing that sets me apart from others is customer service. You are not just buying a cup or a shirt. You are getting a custom experience that includes quality materials (literally shirts that I wear every day), my design expertise, no minimums, no setup fees, all created in-house for an affordable price.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Yes!! This summer I was selected out of 104 applicants to be a part of the first cohort of the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP)! Upon completion of the program and signing a lease in the city of La Mesa, I’ll receive a grant for $20,000 to help with operating expenses. I am finishing up a robust training program that included business classes and individualized advising sessions. I am so pleased to announce that Shine Universe™ Apparel & Décor LLC will have a storefront home in the city of La Mesa in March 2023!!! This boutique will be the place to come for coaches, team parents, athletes, and anyone else that wants a custom…well, just about anything!!! From shirts and hats; to signs and keychains, we’ve got you covered. Let us make you something awesome!!!
Pricing:
- $17.00 – Any color shirt; 1 color vinyl design; 1 location
- $18.75 – Any color shirt; 1 color glitter vinyl design; 1 location
- $19.50 – Full-color sublimation or DTF printed shirt; 1 location
- $45.00 – Any color hoodie; 1 color vinyl design; 1 location
- $8.50 – Laser etched shot glass
- $11.00 – One color glitter bow with spangle center
- Team discounts are available!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shineuniverse.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/myshineuniverse
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/myshineuniverse
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/myshineuniverse
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shine-universe-apparel-and-decor-spring-valley
