Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenice McMillian.
Hi Trenice, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Platinum Graphics is a small business owned and operated by a husband-and-wife duo in New Orleans, LA. The business began in our home back in July of 2006. We did t-shirts and party supplies. My husband, Bryan, would see that someone he knew in the neighborhood was having a party, so he would run down there to take a photo of whoever they were celebrating that day. After that, he would rush home and create a design of them, print it on a shirt, and run back to the party to hand it to that person. Other partygoers would see it and want a shirt also. That’s pretty much how we started to get business…word of mouth.
Back then, we did lots of happy occasions – birthday, baby showers, graduations, and even some business items. As the years progressed, death took over our business. As of now, funerals are the bulk of our workload. Creating t-shirts and life-sized posters of people’s loved ones is what we specialize in because here in New Orleans, instead of mourning the person that was lost, you celebrate the life that was lived.
Through our custom t-shirts and life-size posters, it helps our customers cope with the passing of a loved one. We create tangible memories. Something more than just a printed photograph.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road started off really smooth. It was fun, and we got to meet a lot of interesting individuals. As the years went on, things got a little harder because the transition from fun happy events to more sad ones began to take a toll on me. Then we started creating shirts and posters for people that we really got close to in the business. That’s a hard pill to swallow to have to put “in loving memory” or “rest in peace” in front of a person’s name that you formed a relationship and friendship with.
Now…we deal with so much death in the business that you’re numb. It’s hard to deal with losses in your own family. You really don’t know how to feel anymore.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My husband and I are graphic artist. We specialize in creating designs that celebrate the lives of the living and the fallen. Platinum is known for revolutionizing the celebration of life in New Orleans. I’m most proud of our work ethic. We work long hours, lose a little sleep, and sometimes miss a meal or two (LOL) to ensure that our customers are satisfied and receive their items on time.
I believe what sets apart is our speed, our efficiency, our creativity, our attention to detail, and our overall customer service experience.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I actually have not been to Dallas, so I don’t have any likes or dislikes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.platinumgraphics.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/platinumgraphics
