Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Almager.
Hi Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
ARU first began as a media business, with my love for filmmaking. I have been a creator almost all my life, and wanted something that could grow beyond me. I eventually started attended tuner car shows and then I quickly realized that I could use my creativity to start an apparel brand. Which now has become the main identity of ARU. Our first year doing apparel, we attended 66 trade shows as a vendor selling apparel, and that hard work set the foundation of the connections, friendships and success we would find. The secret sauce is hard work and to just keep moving, keep creating, and to never be satisfied.
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?
Definitely not! Our biggest hurdle was in 2023. We attended a trade show all the way in Japan, and during that event we had another show back in the states the same day and it cost us over $10K to do these things and we only made $1500. That set us back big time! It’s these moments that test if what you have is real or not. We bounce back, and we are still kicking!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
ARU has MANY branches because I simply don’t let me brain stop. We still have our media business which focuses on helping brands/creators with their social media strategy, capturing content and presence. We have our apparel business, which all of the designs are formulated from my original ideas and brought to life by our amazing artist, shout out Darius! We also have branched into the import business where I’ve imported cars from Japan for customers, and now we are doing TCG sales with the goal of opening a TCG store one day! I have too many hobbies and interests and I’m just super proud of what ARU has become from just a thought in my brain back in 2021.
What sets us apart? Our attention to detail, care for quality in our products, the quality in which we conduct ourselves and the work ethic.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas/Fort Worth is so vast that there is a niche for just about anything and that means literally anyone can thrive in any business as long as they work for it! That’s what makes this area amazing!
What I least like about our city is the months June-August when it’s 100+ degrees lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arumedia.shop
- Instagram: arumedia
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@austinalmager
- Other: Email: arumediallc@gmail.com
Image Credits
Ben Sornat
Riki Shinagawa
