IN THE BIZ – AND THAT SWAG
Welcome back to “In The Biz” our monthly blog series where we have the opportunity to chat with the event industry’s best and brightest. This month, we had the honor of speaking with Jen Stoler, Co-Founder and Creator of And That Swag. And That is a swag and merch/logo design company specializing in bespoke garments, items and logos for any and all events.
Events by RHC: Hi Jen! Thanks so much for sitting down with us. Tell us a little bit about how And That Swag got started.
Jen Stoler: Thanks so much for having me. And That Swag was born fifteen years ago by accident. Best friends since ninth grade, Amy and I decided to open a boutique in 2003 after leaving our corporate jobs. Thriving and loving life, one of our customers asked us to help her design a logo for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in 2007—and in the blink of an eye, And That Swag was born.
Events by RHC: That is so interesting and you two have built such a successful business! We love seeing your work at parties. In your experience, what role does food play in the success/vibe of an event?
Jen Stoler: In my experience, food is an expression of who we are; therefore, I believe it sets the tone for any event.
Events by RHC: How do you encourage clients to capitalize on trends and how do you keep your finger on the pulse of pop culture and trends?
Jen Stoler: This is not easy! Our clients kind of rely on us to capitalize on trends – therefore we do not really ask them to do so, we hope they trust us to do that! It’s a lot of work, a lot of research and always keeping our eye on the ball. Sometimes a new trend is right in front of us and we do not even know it. It can be as simple as a period at the end of a sentence. The internet has certainly helped in keeping up with trends, but we feel it is also important to “know your client” – not everyone’s the same, therefore just because something is deemed “trendy” doesn’t mean it’s going to work.
Events by RHC: What is your favorite part of the process?
Jen Stoler: Our favorite part of the process is seeing how happy a client is when we hit it on the nail with designs and graphics.
Events by RHC: What are some qualities in a dream client? What kinds of people do you like working with?
Jen Stoler: Our dream client is one who puts their trust in us to know what works. We love creative clients as well, people who want to be part of the process.
Events by RHC: Agreed, sounds great to us! In your professional life, what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Jen Stoler: Never give up if you have a dream.
Events by RHC: Who have been some of your inspirations in the events industry?
Jen Stoler: I find something in almost everyone I meet that I try to learn from.
Events by RHC: Do you have a favorite event you’ve ever worked on?
Jen Stoler: When I am lucky enough to visit the events I work on, I usually always leave saying it was my favorite!
Events by RHC: Well we hope so see you at an event soon!
Jen Stoler: Same to you. Thank you for having me.
Events by RHC: Thank you for joining us!
