Local Design Shop Specializes In Print, Embroidery, Textile Laser Etching & More
Photography Provided
When Amy Jo Miller and her best friend started crafting together, she had no idea her hobby would lead her to a full-time business endeavor.
Miller purchased a DIY tabletop screen printing machine to make matching shirts for her friends bridal shower and fell in love with the process. She then began online garage sales for customers in the market and found a supply company where she could get affordable materials.
Miller used Google and YouTube to understand how to use the items she had. Then, in 2012, she took her first class.
After the first class I was obsessed, she says. Miller was so inspired, she ended up purchasing everything she needed to start her business.
Her dream was about to become a reality.
I was 100% consumed with the new venture I was on, Miller says.
To be able to see the excitement in a customers eyes, when they see their idea become a reality, is inspiring to Miller. Screen printing provides a unique way for her customers to express themselves whether its remembering a loved one or making matching shirts for a family event, or a business function, the creativity factor never gets old for Miller and continues to provide daily inspiration for her passion.
The company originally came to be in 1992 and was owned by Rhonda Neff and Ron Yoder. Rhonda owned 51% of the company and Ron owned 49% of the company. In 2002, Rhonda passed away and willed her 51% of the company to Jane Yoder, Rons wife.
In April of 2019, Miller and her husband, Ben, became the owners of Wear Haus Designs. Miller is 51% owner and Ben is 49% owner.
Why not 50/50?
The 51% ownership factor qualifies Wear Haus Designs to be a Womans Business Enterprise. WBE is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
It is important to me because I like to show the younger girls in my life that you can be a girl and still make your dreams come true, she says. You can do whatever you want. You can be whatever you want. Dont let your gender stop you.
Of the 13 employees Wear Haus Designs employs, 12 of them are women.
The brick and mortar location has a showroom where customers can see all the services offered which include screen printing, embroidery services, heat transfer, direct to garment, wide format printing, banners, yard signs, decals, laser etching and graphic design.
Our embroidery department consists of 21 embroidery heads each with 15 needles to do the most detailed colorful design your heart desires, Miller says. We are also equipped with a laser bridge. This allows us to create appliques right on our embroidery machines. The screen printing department is equipped with an 8/10 automatic press that produces some amazing work. The girls run that department like a well-oiled machine producing hundreds to thousands of prints a week.
Wear Haus Designs offers many unique possibilities including glow in the dark, metallic and glitter inks, personalization for school spirit wear with a name and player number, company logos and personal photos. Wide-format printing options are great for wall decals, car decals, banners and custom yard signs.
Laser etching is used for personalization of tumblers, coffee mugs, baking pans, cutting boards, wind chimes, pet tags, sports trophies and more.
Graphic design is an endless world of imagination. The possibilities are wide open,, Miller says.
When customers are ready to order, the graphic design department creates an artwork proof with a picture of the actual garment and colors being used.
Wear Haus Designs specializes in printing Notre Dame apparel and all area schools. The shop is licensed to use North Face, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas and Patagonia apparel.
There is also a large variety of apparel available to choose from whether its polyester, moisture-wicking for active wear or thick cotton blends for cooler weather, Wear Haus has it covered. Clothing options include t-shirts, long sleeves, crewnecks, hoodies, jackets, joggers, shorts, pants and emergency personnel apparel.
Wear Haus Designs is open from 8 a.m.4 p.m. Monday Friday and is located at 4425 W. US 20, Suite 1, LaGrange. Visit its Facebook page or online at wearhaus.net or call (260) 463-7373 for more information.
