Mariellen Auer of the Dilworth area began Auer Agency in 2002. Since then, Mariellen has expanded her core design services and now offers a full line of graphic design, marketing and advertising solutions as well as custom sportswear apparel design services to businesses. Keep reading to see how this single mompreneur of 2 does it all!
Q. How did Auer Agency begin? A. I realized that all the combined experience of working in the paper, packaging and apparel industry and the contacts I had, were enough to launch my own company. I started out designing cycling jerseys for teams and clubs throughout the US and also started working with small start-ups. I was profitable my first year, believe it or not. I also have over 7 years of waitressing experience, which helps with sales and getting to know people quickly.
Q. What do you specialize in? A. Designing, developing and marketing apparel companies and sports events. I also work with local everyday start-ups in developing their brand, marketing and pieces that will put money in their pocket right away.
What types of products do you design? A. Sportswear, cycling jerseys, logos, branding, business cards, marketing items, posters, vehicle graphics and facebook designs anything that you need to market yourself.
Q. What are some of the projects you've previously worked on? 1) I’m currently working with one of the Southeast’s largest lacrosse suppliers in developing private label apparel. 2) Developing in-store custom photo t-shirt templates for Walgreens and CVS 3) 24 Hours of Booty marketing and design 4) Team Cycling apparel such as; PBR (beer), NCBT, MS Society Ride to the Beach, Disney, Bikeaneers, Hall of Foam. Private label cycling for: Pearl Izumi, Hincapie, Giordana, Voler just to name a few. 4) Garage Door Guru, branding, ads, vehicles, mailers, stickers, etc. 5) USNWC – the beginning days of the whitewater center, I designed all the materials, participated in meetings and was part of the media day when the Olympic committee came to town to endorse it. 6) Racing 2 Cure.org – NASCAR Motorsport client, I create and produce all their t-shirts, marketing materials and vehicle graphics.
Q. What drew you to graphic A. I was always creative, but could never draw a perfect circle. Jumping on my first mac (computer) in college, allowed me to take my ideas to life!
Q. What is your favorite thing to design? A. Logos! I love creating a brand/image for a new company.
Q. What was the most challenging? A. Learning the ropes of running a business with the P&L, balancing sales and design and being a single mom.
Q. How did you get started on Custom Apparel Source? A. More and more clients were asking me to help develop custom apparel for them. My ability to provide CAS puts me on the map in apparel sourcing and manufacturing and I have found there aren’t many people like me who can help those start-ups with not only manufacturing, but with design, trademarking and applying what I’ve learned to run a business for them.
Q. Where can we find your designs? A. On the backs of cyclists, lacrosse players and athletes around the nation.
Q. How do you find time for family on top of running 2 businesses? A. Luckily I have a 50/50 schedule with my children and I have learned over the years to schedule my meetings and outings one day week and mornings and the rest of the work I can do from my home studio.
Q. Any time management tips for our readers? A. Do what you love to do first thing in the morning, outsource the things you don’t like to do like bookkeeping or even website maintenance to a virtual assistance. I have a great cookbook, that has recipes to cook one huge meal on Sunday and then recycle it in different ways for meals the rest of the week.
You can find more information about Auer Agency online at: www.aueragency.com www.customapparelsource.net http://www.facebook.com/aueragencyllc?ref=ts&fref=ts www.Linkedin/mariellenauer www.pinterest/aueragency
