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30 Days of Awesome: frank & jan | LinkedIn


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September 14, 2013

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Frank & Jan (@frankandjan)

I’m counting down the thirty days until October 1st—when Without Their Permission hits the shelves—by profiling 30 innovators who exemplify the spirit of my book. Share-away! Everything is under 140 characters so you can read, get inspired, and be awesome.

7 of 30: frank & jan are the creative minds behind

Background

Although they didn’t want to have their photo used for this piece, frank & jan have been getting quite the reputation. I discovered this duo when a shirt showed up at my apartment (as a Brooklyn resident, Nets fan, and internet entrepreneur — it was kinda perfect).

They’ve already got quite a few big-time fans, but it all started thanks to old fashioned word of mouth. Even Jay Z likes his frank & jan.

Building an apparel company winning over nerds & celebrities in the 21st century. What’s not to like?

What’s been the biggest rejection in your career?

Every rejection (or failure) is a lesson, so none yet.

What’s the biggest barrier to entry for your industry?

It used to be access and knowledge. Now anyone with a bad idea and a few dollars can make a t-shirt.

How’d you first build an audience?

Word of mouth. The Internets.

When did you first realize you were on to something?

We always sorta knew we were on to something. The accolades and milestones are just validation.

Who’s coming up in your field who we should we all know about?

frank & jan

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be like you when they grow up?

Work hard. But never grow up.

***

One of these days maybe I’ll meet them. There’s something great about building an apparel empire without exposing what you even look like. They’ve got a point: Everyone wants some. I can’t help but wonder if that little bit of mystery, in an age where so many people are trying to get in the spotlight, is another advantage for them.

What are you doing to stand out?

Did you see yesterday’s profile of Baratunde? Click here for a dose of awesome.

Posted by:Alexis Ohanian

via 30 Days of Awesome: frank & jan | LinkedIn.