Parish Ink

Emilie Blakewood / Lafayette, LA

Favorite Color:

a nice dark olive green

What do you sell/make/offer:

We are mostly known for our unique, Louisiana themed screen-printed t-shirts. But, we are more than just a t-shirt shop. We offer many assorted lagniappe goods with our designs. Hats, flags, patches, stickers, kitchen towels, etc. We've got something for everyone! Since we do all of our screen-printing in-house, we also offer custom t-shirt printing and have the pleasure to work with many different events and companies across the state.

What made you get started in the first place?

Parish Ink began in the fall of 2010 with the simple goal of creating a line of apparel, accessories and other art-like products focused on our south Louisiana roots. Looking to offer something that wasn't yet available to the community.

I was a personal customer of Parish Ink for a long time and was able to get to know the company pretty well as a commercial customer while working at a previous job. The passion for creative, unique designs that represent the Louisiana culture in a different way is what drew me into wanting to work for the company.

What item of yours is inside the 2024 Galentine Box?

Our “Cher Bebe” postcard and “I wanna be loved bayou” sticker

Created by the late Jillian Johnson, a prolific artist, designer, & musician who worked closely with her brother Bram to create these iconic designs still seen within the merchandise at Parish Ink today.

Your "treat yo self"go to?

Listening to an audiobook while working on a puzzle with a cup of tea or coffee.

Besides working at a "small business", what other hats do you wear:

Manager / Crafter

Describe briefly what your job/workflow may look like on a "busy" day?

I wear many different hats over here. On any given day you can find me behind the register in the retail shop, working the embroidery machine or the laser, printing on our direct-to-garment printer, making hats, behind the computer answering emails or ordering inventory and creating social media content. Each day is different but is never boring!

What is your "dream gig"?

When I grow up, I want to be a postal worker. I would get to drive a cool little truck on the wrong side and deliver letters while listening to podcasts and audiobooks? See all kinds of cool stamps? Sign me up.

What motivates/inspires your work?

Not many people enjoy working retail, and I will admit it isn't always easy. But, being able to come into work each day with the opportunity to help someone find their new favorite tee, or their baby's first onesie, or help someone pick out a gift for a loved one is just fun to me. The small business part of it is the cherry on top. I get to meet so many different people visiting from in and out of town and teach them a little something about our culture and town.

Name a productivity tip that you rely heavily on:

I love a checklist. Something I can write down and scratch through as I complete tasks. Also, having my phone in "work mode" helps a lot. Blocks everyone out except co-workers so I know if my phone is ringing, it is important.

How do you measure success?

It's one thing when a customer leaves the store happy. It's another thing when they share about their experience and return to the store, even bringing friends with them. That is when you know you've got a good thing going on.

Name one belief/thought you had to let go of in order to get to where you are today:

A "big girl job" is not only in a corporate office setting.

Where can I buy more of what you make/offer?

Visit our Lafayette store in person or parishink.com -- open 24/7

What's the best place to follow along in your journey?

Instagram!