Started as an online shop in February 2008, Thriving Ink “honors and celebrates the achievements and accomplishments” of its artists and partners, and stresses integrity, diversity, and originality in all company aspects. Working with handpicked artists from around the globe, Thriving Ink exclusively showcases and promotes their designs on sweatshop-free, American-made tees, while also offering customers a chance to “be a human canvas and wear what they feel.” Apparel’s just one aspect of the new downtown location: along with playing killer tunes (Rilo Kiley, anyone?) the shop will eventually host swap nights, swag parties, art shows, and other live events, and is currently establishing relationships with local jewelers, designers, and additional DIYers to display their wares. The shop will even include state-of-the-art Custom T-Shirt design equipment, for one of a kind shirts. It will be installed by the end of April.

Thriving Ink’s founder is successful area businesswoman Brenda Dronkers, creator of the inflatable party place Pump it Up. In her latest endeavor, Dronkers pairs polished entrepreneurial skills with the passions of her two, college-aged kids, Jenelle and Matt, who double as business partners. In addition to maintaining the company website and handling all aspects of its photography, Jenelle and Matt individually select each work of art screened onto tees—everything from Ryan Alamillo’s nature-inspired Woody Tree to AJ Dimarucot’s analog-tribute, Mix Tape. But for Dronkers, incorporating community input—especially from local teens—means just as much. “We’re currently looking for middle and high school students to join our Teen Advisory Committee,” says Dronkers. “They’ll assist in creating trends, choosing designs and T-shirt types, promoting parties, and more.”