June 19th, 2025

Juneteenth Spotlight: Celebrating 4 Proud, Purposeful, and Black-Owned Businesses

Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of reflection, celebration, and continued commitment to justice and equity.

As it falls during Pride Month, we are also reminded of the deep and lasting impact that Black and Brown activists have had in the fight for equality across movements.

At a2e, we believe that honoring Juneteenth also means actively supporting Black entrepreneurship. This year, we’re proud to spotlight a few of the incredibly talented, creative, and hardworking Black-owned businesses we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with. Their vision and dedication inspire us, and we are grateful to be part of their journey.

Here are our a2e staff picks!

01. Annika (Los Angeles, CA) – Elemental Bottles

Elemental Bottles is a Black- and Asian-owned brand in the promo world that nails both quality and communication. On top of that, they walk the talk when it comes to giving back—with 3% of profits going to impact programs and a partnership with Charity: Water to help bring clean water to those who need it most. Their mission? Creating reusable products that are good for the planet and people.

02. Anjelica (Washington, DC) – Sweet Lobby

We’ve absolutely loved working with Winnette and her team at The Sweet Lobby over the years. They have an amazing assortment of baked goods, but our favorite has got to be the macarons — perfectly made every time and each unique flavor really packs a punch! While they do deliver around DC, don’t pass up a chance to swing by their shop on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row and take in all those sweet bakery scents.

03. Priscilla (Los Angeles, CA) – Mielle Organics

My pick for a Black-owned business is Mielle Organics. They’re a hair care line curated specifically for textured hair. I love their Rosemary Hair Oil, it’s been a game changer for me. After dealing with significant hair loss following COVID, this oil has really helped with my hair growth, and I now use it weekly as part of my hair routine!

04. Noah (Nashville, TN) – Stealth Bros & Co.

Stealth Bros Co. has long been one of my favorite brands—originally carving out space with much-needed dopp kits for medical supplies. Since then, founder and CEO Braxton Fleming has grown the line to include high-quality bags of all kinds, from dopp kits to backpacks. As a pioneering Black Trans man—and the first to appear on Shark Tank—Braxton continues to lead with purpose, channeling his values of inclusivity, empowerment, and innovation into action by providing grants to those seeking gender-affirming care.

May 23rd, 2025

Pride Is More Than a Parade—But the Parade’s Pretty Great Too

Pride is more than just a month of parades, parties, glitter, and fabulous drag (though let’s be honest, we live for all of that). At its core, Pride is about community, support, resistance, and love—radiating from every individual and representing every letter of LGBTQIA+. This year, more than ever, it’s time to show your employees, your clients, and your communities exactly where you stand: with them.
Pride Month is right around the corner—don’t stress! We’ve rounded up 5 quick-turn items that’ll have you showing up, standing out, and being the ally you were born to be.

01. The Pride Flag

The one, the only. Classic, iconic, and constantly evolving to reflect the beautiful spectrum of our community. Hang it loud, hang it proud.

02. Bandanas

Timeless, versatile, and made for full-color printing. Want to take it up a notch? Go for a custom Nomadix bandana. Yes, the same ones they sell at REI. Yes, they’re that good.

03. Retro Motel Keychain

Because sometimes the smallest things say the loudest “I get it.” Cute, nostalgic, and giving major Pride merch energy.

04. The Folding Fan

A must-have. Originally for cooling down, now also for serving looks, throwing shade, and making entrances. Bonus points if you snap it open dramatically.

05. Brick Stress Reliever

A clever and powerful tribute to the roots of Pride. Symbolic of the first brick thrown at Stonewall, it’s more than just a desk toy—it’s a statement.

Whether you’re planning last-minute swag or looking for meaningful ways to show support, these items are fast, fabulous, and full of Pride. Let’s show up for the community—not just this month, but all year long. 🌈💪

May 5th, 2025

Ditch the Snooze-Fest Swag. Let’s Get Fancy.

Let’s be honest—company swag can either be super cool… or totally forgettable. If you’re still sticking with the same basic t-shirts and plain prints, you might be missing out on a huge opportunity to make your brand pop. The good news? Upgrading your decoration method is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to level up your merch game. When your swag looks unique, feels great, and grabs attention, people are way more likely to actually wear it—and that means more eyeballs on your brand. Win-win! Here are 7 decoration methods that’ll make your swag so good, people will actually want to wear it (and maybe even brag about it).

01. 3D Embroidery

Why it’s powerful: 3D embroidery brings your logo to life with raised stitching that adds dimension and texture. It creates a bold, tactile look that screams quality.

Brand advantage: This upscale effect gives your gear a retail-quality finish, making your brand appear more professional and premium.

02. Puff Ink

Why it’s powerful: Puff ink expands when heated, creating a soft, raised texture that adds visual interest and depth to flat designs.

Brand advantage: This playful yet elevated touch shows attention to detail and creativity—traits customers subconsciously associate with your brand.

03. Soft Hand Feel

Why it’s powerful: This method ensures that ink or print doesn’t have a heavy or plasticky texture, resulting in a soft, almost unnoticeable feel to the touch.

Brand advantage: It’s perfect for companies that want swag people actually wear. The softer the feel, the more likely it becomes a go-to favorite—taking your logo everywhere it goes.

04. Glow-in-the-Dark Ink

Why it’s powerful: This effect charges under light and emits a fun, eerie glow in the dark. Great for events or nighttime exposure.

Brand advantage: It turns your merch into a conversation starter. A little surprise factor can go a long way in leaving a lasting impression.

05. Distressed Effect

Why it’s powerful: Designed to look worn-in and vintage, distressed prints evoke nostalgia and a timeless, lived-in feel.

Brand advantage: It connects your brand to authenticity and familiarity, making it feel more personal and relatable. Perfect for retro-inspired branding.

06. Metallic Ink

Why it’s powerful: This ink adds a sleek, shiny finish to designs, creating a refined, futuristic look.

Brand advantage: Metallic accents suggest innovation and sophistication—traits often associated with premium, forward-thinking brands.

07. Shimmer/Glitter Ink

Why it’s powerful: Adds sparkle and shine, making designs pop with playful energy and visual dynamism.

Brand advantage: Ideal for festive events, women-led brands, or creative industries, this decoration exudes confidence and flair.

At the end of the day, your decoration choices are like the secret sauce of great swag. They’re what take your merch from “meh” to “whoa, where’d you get that?!” Whether you go bold with puff ink, luxe with metallics, or quirky with glow-in-the-dark, these upgrades don’t just look cool—they make your brand unforgettable. That said, if you’re into classic screen printing or traditional embroidery? That’s totally cool too. Sometimes simplicity is the vibe, and it still gets the job done—clean, recognizable, and versatile. Just know that when you’re ready to turn up the volume, we’ve got all the bells, whistles, and shimmer waiting for you. Your brand’s worth it—and your future fans will thank you.