Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Otero.
Hi Aubrey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Gump and Bean Custom Designs is my side gig. I am currently a full-time 8th-grade science teacher. In the fall, I will transition back to being a high school science teacher. I absolutely love every second of teaching and being able to inspire young minds! It is my calling, my passion, and my purpose, without a doubt. But, as you probably know, teachers do not get paid what we should, and a lot of our school supplies and necessities are bought with our own money. I was looking for a way to increase my income while still being able to do what I love. So, I created Gump & Bean Custom Designs to help fill the pay gap for our family while also having a great time doing it because crafting is my therapy. I have always been a creative person and loved working with my hands, and I also have always been very tech-savvy and a fast learner – so when I began working with digital creations and making simple vinyl t-shirts – it just came naturally. I slapped labels on everything, and then people starting asking me if I could make them what I made… well, sure enough – that little creative outlet turned into a full-blown, profitable business and has not slowed down for the last two years. This small business has helped my family in so many ways including funding my kids’ sports which if you are a parent, you know that is a huge deal!
Why Gump & Bean?
Nolan, my son, is 9 years old and ever since he was a baby, I have called him “Bubba and Bubba Gump” – he is athletic, crazy smart, hyper, and a go-getter. He is a baseball player for The Noles Baseball Club which is a select team in the Fort Worth area.
My daughter, Nora, is 7 years old and she got the nickname “Bean” from her Grandpa Glenn when she was about a year old. It was at a Mexican restaurant, and it just stuck like glue. She is fierce, smart, silly, creative, and so girlie. She is also a nationally ranked golfer and plays for The Under Armour Junior Golf Tour.
They are my reason and purpose for my whole life. Nolan, with his analytical brain, and Nora with her creative side has transformed into my business concept to make smart, creative designs hand-made with love straight from our family to yours.
Now the one person who has everything to do with who I am and the backbone of our family is my husband Ryan. He is a police sergeant for the small town of Roanoke, TX. We have been married for almost 12 years and together since we were teenagers. We have created the beautiful life together. He is my number one supporter and my biggest fan – and I couldn’t have started something this awesome without him.
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?
It has not always been a smooth road, mostly having to do with inventory and an oversaturated market. The daily struggle is trying to stay ahead of what the trends are, and people would like to order while also maintaining fast turnaround times all while being a full-time teacher. All of that being said, I have been very blessed with the very best, most patient, and flexible customers. It is hard to get a business like mine off the ground while also standing out from the crowd. The t-shirts and tumbler business is very oversaturated but I have been so blessed with loyal customers who share my business with others, and I have to do very little marketing and I pride myself on the best quality products and the best customer service that I can!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for my custom design work and making ideas come to life, especially on t-shirts and tumblers. I also do farmhouse signs built from scratch, and some other odds-and-ends but my t-shirts and tumblers are my standouts! I am most proud of my ability to take someone’s idea and work alongside them to create a physical product that they love or are happy to gift. My favorite thing is when I am out in public and I see one of the items that I made. Whether it is a porch leaner on the front steps of a home, or someone is wearing one of my shirts or hoodies, or someone is drinking from a tumbler that I made with my own creative self – it is one of the best feelings.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to share that just because you think you can’t doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
When I first thought about creating a business and not just a hobby. I had a friend, Ebony, who said, “Think about the bread aisle.” I was confused and asked for clarification, she said “Think about the bread aisle, everyone has their own favorite, but there is something there for everyone”. This has stuck with me for the last 2 years knowing that I am someone’s ‘favorite bread.’ I may not be everyone’s favorite or go-to person, but I am someone’s. Like I mentioned before, there is an oversaturated market, and everyone and their crazy aunt does t-shirts nowadays, but they don’t do shirts like mine. I have to stay grounded and think about the bread aisle.
Pricing:
- My t-shirts start at $25 for adults, but I do offer toddler through adult 5X so pricing varies.
- My tumblers are also $25 as a starting cost but can increase or decrease depending on the design and style.
- My porch leaners start at $45
- My farmhouse signs are anywhere from $15-200 depending on design and size.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gumpandbean.com
- Instagram: gumpandbean_customdesigns
