Meet Keenan Roden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keenan Roden.

Hi Keenan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Back in 2015, I worked for a financial institution. At one point was making decent money until hours started to get cut. I was struggling to make ends meet and my mom suggested I make T-Shirts. She was already making t-shirts but knew I had hers and my grandmother’s creativity. Combined with my love for computer graphics, I hopped on it. I owe my start to my parents. They helped start my business by purchasing the materials I need to get the ball rolling. 

I started out doing only rhinestone designs. I was literally placing rhinestones piece by piece to make a design. That lasted about a year as I knew I needed to offer more. I started to explore heat transfer vinyl and that is when business picked up. 

Over the next few years, I gained some amazing supporters but still wanted to do more. So, in 2020, I decided to get back into photography. I stopped the apparel for a few months and focused on learning different software and photography tips. So far, I have nine photoshoots under my belt and working on more! 

I do work full-time for a resource company, so my small business is only half my focus. Maybe one day it will be my main. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge I have run into is gathering the motivation to come up with new ideas. I don’t let it discourage me and I try to stay inspired. This is definitely a competitive field so I try not to let clients or competitors get the best of me. I have to remain true to myself and what I offer to my clients. 

 Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I offer a wide variety of apparel options. Most of what I do is custom work. From T-shirts to leggings to even underwear. I still create using heat transfer materials but hoping to venture into the sublimation field. My focus right now is getting my photography footprint off the ground. I have nine photoshoots under my belt and cannot wait to do more.  I have done corporate headshots to family photos to even boudoir. I also do media marketing material such as business cards, flyers and social media videos. 

 What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is, “You can’t expect the people closest to you to be your biggest supporters.” You also can not take it personally. Some things aren’t for everyone, and everyone is their own person. 

Have faith that what you are doing is loved and appreciated by SOMEBODY.

Pricing:

• Most apparel is priced between $20 & $30
• Promotional Media starts at $20 (flyers, videos, etc.)
• Photoshoots start at $150 and have options add-ons.

Contact Info:

• Website: Gearbyj.com
• Other: https://gearbyj.creator-spring.com/?