This piece is inspired by Northampton architecture and history. I incorporated local institutions such as Herrell's Ice cream, Academy of Music. And local icons that either lived here or went to college here like Gloria Steinem, Kurt Vonnegut and Julia Child. Although I didn't get everything Northampton I added whatever I could to capture the essence of the city.
Here's a closer look at some the iconic people and places I included.
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LOOKING TO SUPPORT PLEASE VISIT OUR PAGE HERE!
My name is Jamai Lowell and I've been the owner of my small business Animal Instincts Apparel for 13 years now. I started my business in San Francisco 2010 and during the pandemic I made the big move to Northampton MA in 2020.
Art has always been the focal point of my business, designing a variety of different products using my illustrations. With your support this project will enhance my techniques and store front, bringing it to a whole new level. I will be using funds to purchase my very own heat press for making my shirt designs right in the back of the store. Additionally, an embroidery machine that will allow me to diversify my product line and offer embroidered products that can be created right here as well.
This setup will also open the door to more custom work for other artists in the area. I've always dreamed of having a shop where you can see all the products getting made while you shop around. Another part of the funds will be used towards updating my shop street facing sign. I worked with a branding consultant last year and we agreed I could use an update to make it more eye catching. I will also be changing the shop name to Animal Instincts to help my tie my branding in together.
With your generous help, this will bring me one huge step closer!
These funds will be used for the following :
Funding this campaign will help me purchase the following items below:
This project will take my business to the next level!
Your support will greatly impact the growth of my business and help me continue my passion for this small business and the arts. You can offer support through any of the donation options or packages we've set up. Any amount is greatly appreciated and goes a long way with the 2:1 match from the grant program. And spreading the word , sharing this campaign, will be most awesome!
Thank you all so much. My business would not be here without your support!
If you prefer to help offline by cash or check please make/drop mail donations to Animal Instincts Apparel at 204 Main Street Northampton MA 01060.
If you have questions or inquiries please contact Jamai Lowell at animalinstinctsapparel@gmail.com or #415-345-8616
Or visit our website at www.AnimalinstinctsApparel.com is also always a great way to support!
It’s been a wild couple years btw moving across country, having a second girl and keeping my business alive throughout pandemic. But today as I prep to start my first big original drawing of my #homesawayfromhomes series since move I’m realizing the huge significance it has for me. These big pieces take all my patience and focus I have. So the idea that I’m even starting one means a lot to me. I have done a ton of smaller commissions past few years which have been really enjoyable but now it’s time for me to get back to my personal work for this next month and see what happens.
This piece will be inspired by Northampton and the local architecture here.
I’ll keep you posted on progress and please comment any local spots you think I might want to include.✍🏼🏠☕️
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As we all know most small businesses rely on the holidays to get us through the slow months. With that said we want to make sure you get on your xmas list this year to keep us going strong! We will be hustling our butts off to get every order out when they come in but to make sure we get to you on time we're asking to ORDER BEFORE DECEMBER 15th.
We will be extending our shop hours and adding as much as we can for those shoppers coming through Northampton. So please reach out if wondering specific times and days you wanted to shop!
Also if you like anything that you've gotten from us in past please help us spread the word, leave reviews on the website and tell your friends and family. We count on the holidays to continue this creative journey and every single order makes a difference!
]]>Hi. Mom always taught to me to introduce myself… and I see some new faces around here! I’m Jamai. I started Animal Instincts 12 years ago so I could create art that makes people smile. I’m stoked I’ve found others who believe clothes can be fun — thanks for buying my goods. When I’m not drawing or hanging out at my the @Northhampton shop, you can find me skateboarding or adventuring with my girls.
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This Father’s Day I want to reflect a little on this past year being a dad and small businesses owner throughout the pandemic. Its been rough to be frank. Juggling keeping the biz alive through a devastating year on small businesses is already been a lot but then adding the lack of support parents get in USA has made it very hard. At times I found myself running the business and filling my orders out of a basement or setting up a new shop with crying kid in one arm. Let’s just say it wasn’t always pretty.
With that all said thanks so much for ongoing support as every single sale has meant the world to me and my family! THANK YOU!
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“A lot of people are like, ‘you’re so brave to be opening a store right now,’” he said. “And I think for me, I look at the store as kind of the engine of my business — I sell my stuff online and I offer my line wholesale as well. So I use the store not just as my store,” he said, adding that he does work like filling online orders in the space. “My goal with the store wasn’t to come out the gates and have really busy retail. It’s just to keep my business alive in a sense.”
So far, foot traffic has been quiet, but feedback from customers has been good, he said.
“I feel really good about the future here in Northampton,” he said.
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.
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Hey fam and friends! I have been feeling very contemplative and grateful on the progress that has been made with my business. I am keeping everyone in high vibrations while working through this pandemic episode. My business is really taking a hit since our awesome regulars are working from home, and tourist are either not coming into town, or staying held up in their hotel rooms.
We want to share some Animal Instincts love by offering free shipping on any online purchases you make with us anytime before April 7th. Feel like I’ve said this before but right your support is more appreciated then ever and hope that you all can stay healthy throughout these times!
Code is “FISTBUMP” for free shipping.
Our biz has had a home in Crocker Galleria for some years now. We have met some amazing people, provided a great lunchbreak getaway for our regulars, been a space for tourists who love SF and want to buy awesome local gifts, and we are incredibly grateful for the support you've all shown.
Thanks to all who attended and participated in our holiday parties, our annual Maverick Market, and our promotional deal days. Thanks to hard work and dedication to providing some of the most interesting and unique Bay themed and created gifts, and most of all, because of YOU, we can now level up to a new space! We plan on continuing to vamp up our product list and hopefully create a new and refreshed atmosphere were everyone can feel welcomed and at home away from home.
Though we are moving over a few blocks we hope you all will migrate with us and continue to show some love. In the meantime, we've placed some of our best items on a massive sale! Stop by our Crocker Galleria shop to check out our deals: 50% OFF, $5, and 2 for $20, or 1 for $15 deals while they last. Select items and for a limited time only.
Oh and if can't make to shop we got some new Victorian stickers in and we're gonna be adding one to any orders over $50.
Thanks again for continued support and we'll be letting you know when we have official opening date of new space!!
See you soon!!
-AI Team
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"Roar! The Castro Street Fair is excited to welcome back Animal Instincts this year for the 5th year in a row.
The founder of Animal Instincts, Jamai Lowell, started his apparel company in San Francisco in 2008. All his t-shirt designs are from his original pencil sketches. His style is influenced by a mix of street art, fine art and modern abstract. His designs, including a dinosaur on the Golden Gate Bridge and monkeys climbing Sutro Tower, are hyper-local and loved by all.
Be sure to shop their booth at the Fair on Sunday October 1, and check out their great products beforehand at animalinstinctssf.com!"
http://castrostreetfair.org
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Sunday, May 7th from 11am-6pm.
Featuring one-of-a-kind apparel, accessories, art, natural body products, and home goods, it's the perfect spot to bring your BFF, dog, or your mom! Mother's Day is right around the corner:)
We'll be set up on Linden alley next to the amazing Blue Bottle coffee so stop by if around!
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