“IF YOUR DREAMS DON’T SCARE YOU THEY’RE TOO SMALL”
SLOGUNZ.STUDIO® is a British company based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Mother and daughters – Nina, Izzy and Grace have a desire to
build a business where the customer can engage with the team. They turn classic T shirts and sweats into cherished belongings that tell a story, either with bold statements or personal hidden words to empower.
Founder Nina has a background in fashion design whilst Izzy is
a graphic designer and model, working on typography and print artworks. Grace is behind the photography and styling for the shoots, together they share a passion for fashion, art and self-expression.
In a world full of noise, SLOGUNZ.STUDIO® allows the customer to speak without saying a word.
They help you make your statement in style.
“REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED”
Back in Sept 2020 I lost my partner to cancer. Prior to John’s diagnosis we had been together 14 months, had 5 holidays booked, I had bought my wedding dress and we had huge plans for our future. Everything changed in an instant, a phone call from John saying his blood donation had been declined and he was advised to see a doctor straight away. The next few weeks was a whirlwind of investigative procedures and hospital appointments. In November 2019 we were given the devastating news that John’s cancer had spread and we were looking at months together not the many years we had planned.
Under the care of Professor Mansel at the Christies in Manchester we were given hope. John was young and fit and the treatment planned could give us several years.
“THERE ARE ALWAYS EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES”
At first Covid was my friend as it meant I could keep John safe and we could lock down together. The first line of chemo started in February and by March John was looking healthier than ever and the cancer had reduced by 50%. The weather was glorious and we were able to spend quality time together with his beloved girls.
During this time I saw a T shirt on line which read “Can’t drain me of this energy” Every day was a battle and the words resonated with me. I emailed my dad in Blackpool who had his own Trophy and engraving business
and asked him to print me a T-shirt with the same words. I needed that T-shirt.
That is when SLOGUNZ.® was born.
Covid denied me precious time with John whilst he underwent chemotherapy. During this time I would travel to Blackpool and experiment in my dad’s shop, printing and engraving.
Nina
“TURN THE PAIN INTO POWER”
I found strength in the words, either boldly emblazoned on the front of a T-shirt or concealed, hidden from sight, close to my heart.
As a designer I had always dreamt of owning my own brand. John’s passion for life was addictive – “Don’t stop believing!” he would sing encouraging me to pursue my dream.
I quickly got set up in my dining room with a plotter and heat press, creating my own designs.
Sadly John’s new found strength didn’t last long as the disease spread rapidly. With loved ones by his side he lost his battle on the 1st of September 2020.
Unable to give John the send-off he deserved I was unable to have closure. A few months later I found myself alone in my house, Covid no longer my friend as I was shut off from family and friends. My job was hugely effected, travel had ceased, no face to face meetings, everything I needed to help me through the trauma.
“ADAPT OR PERISH”
Looking back I’m not sure where the strength came from but I soon realised I needed to throw myself into SLOGUNZ.® and work away from home as the memories there were too painful.
My sister lent me the deposit, I sold my house, moving into a smaller property to allow me to afford the rent on 1 Roushill Bank.
“NOW OR NEVER”
It became clear to me shortly after opening my studio / shop in April 2021 that we all have a story.
Life is a journey and along the way we are all faced with loss and difficult times.
The shop was a way for me to heal, I could no longer hide, interacting with people, telling my story, listening to similar stories of loss and personal struggle. I was not alone.
“JUST LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER”
I would like to thank all the special people who have come into the studio over the last 12 months, lifting me up when I felt like I was falling. Their words of encouragement along with my amazing family and friends have brought me this far.
“WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER”
Jasmin Jade Allen
“DON’T BE MEAN TO THE COLOUR GREEN”
Jasmin came to the studio in May 2021. I reached out to the college, wanting to help a student who was struggling and needed a safe place to learn new skills, interact with people and grow in confidence. Jasmin was a very shy, polite, quiet young lady, I reassured her and quickly set her to work.
I gave her the task of displaying the newly engraved slogan keyrings on the wall. Amongst all the colours there was only one green one which read “the grass isn’t greener, it’s fake”
I had given her a notebook to record what she was doing in the shop and after she had left on that very first day I opened it.
On the very top line were the words “Don’t be mean to the colour green.” It was then that I fell in love with her handwriting.
As Jasmin grew in confidence she shared stories with me about her time at school and how she missed out on hours of education whilst being put in handwriting lessons. Being told that her hand writing wasn’t “good enough” and not being allowed to use a pen until year 5. She also told me that she was on the Autistic spectrum yet only diagnosed at the age of 18, the year she came to SLOGUNZ.®
“I BELIEVE IN A SPECTRUM OF POSSIBILITIES”
At primary school Jasmin was put on a table, facing the wall or taken out of the classroom, segregated from the other children, with no explanation.
“ACCEPTING AUTISM IS A SKILL”
Jasmin’s handwriting is now a major port of SLOGUNZ.STUDIO
and can be seen on T shirts, hoodies and around the shop. We offer a bespoke service where Jasmin will write the personalised quote or message for the individual by hand and then it can be printed on a garment of their choice. We will then send the original artwork to the customer included in the price.
Jasmin has requested that a percentage of the proceeds go to a charity, she is still deciding which one she would like.
“NO ONE IS YOU AND THAT IS YOUR SUPER POWER”
