Today we’d like to introduce you to Blanca Jurado.
Blanca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer at the age of 22. It was a devastating diagnosis, to say the least. I was a single mother of two young boys and I wasn’t sure if I’d be alive to watch my boys grow up and become men. I went through two months of chemo and radiation followed by surgery and about eight more months of chemo. The process was long and grueling, but I got up every morning to face the day and overcome that obstacle. Shortly before my last round of chemo, when I was finally cleared and told there would be no need for any additional treatment, I started college and eventually received my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Building on that success, I decided to pursue the field of education and become a teacher. I absolutely love this profession. I don’t think many professions can give a person this feeling of joy and satisfaction. I gladly wake up every morning to teach and serve my community. Last year, I took that feeling a step further. I received my master’s degree in education and began my custom shirt company, BAM Great Shirts. As a result, I’ve got a busy life.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had many challenges, but I have learned to embrace them and appreciate what they’ve taught me. My biggest challenge was the cancer diagnosis I mentioned earlier. My boys were about five and three at the time and keeping up with their activities and the daily schedule was challenging and I didn’t want their lives to be on hold because of what was going on with me. Later, going through college was challenging as well – lots of long nights and burning the midnight oil preparing essays and completing assignments left me with very little time to myself. Now, working as a full-time teacher, it’s been difficult completing my masters and running a successful business. Teaching isn’t a 9-5 job – there are countless hours spent planning lessons and activities. So, no, the road has never been smooth but I think I’ve learned to navigate it pretty well.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with BAM Great Shirts – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
In my business, BAM Great Shirts, I started off just making custom tees, but I’ve expanded and now I can personalize various items such as mugs, tumblers, sashes, bags, etc. for different events and occasions. I am proud that my business can bring to life ideas that others have but also my creative side to shine through. What sets me apart from others is that I am always willing to learn and take advice from entrepreneurs that have been in the business for years. I don’t see them as competition, but rather a way to nurture and constantly improve upon my growing company. I also provide great customer care and I always want to see my clients happy with what they purchased.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least? I moved here from Albuquerque, NM when I started high school and haven’t left since because I love the diversity of where I live. There are so many different cultures and backgrounds and we can learn so much from one another. I love that this city lets me connect with my diverse students and their families. What I like least is the traffic. I don’t like being stuck in it, but I realize that change doesn’t come easy with an ever-expanding city so I’m happy to see the growth.
Pricing:
- Custom tees start at $14
- Mugs $10
- Tanks $15
- Bags $10
- Decals $3+
- Tumblers $12
- Painted Signs $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bamgreatshirts.wixsite.com/bam1
- Phone: 214-924-3805
- Email: bamgreatshirts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bamgreatshirts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAMGreatShirts
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
