What is one of the best ways to get a message out to the general public? Put it on a t-shirt, a mug, or a tote bag. We wear t-shirts to communicate our beliefs, feelings and philosophical leanings every day. T-shirt messages provide insight into what we do for a living, the organizations or groups we support and even the products or services we provide. Political statements abound on t-shirts during the election cycle. Vote for [fill in the blank!] A vote for [fill in the blank] is a vote for [fill in the blank.]
Look around while you wait for the bus or train and you will see a collection of people wearing t-shirts with various messages and message statements. T-shirt messaging is everywhere. When we read these messages, we experience amusement, joy, anger and a variety of emotions. T-shirt messages almost always invoke some degree of response from the reader. T-shirts are not the only place we love to see positive messages. Check out your co-workers’ coffee mugs. What wording greets you every morning?
Tamara Dopwell, a side hustle social worker and social entrepreneur, creates positive, socially conscious t-shirts and accessories and sells them for a cause. She is capitalizing on our love for t-shirts and messages with a meaning to make a positive impact on her community. She is a member of a growing segment of entrepreneurs who use their business ventures to financially support community programs or to alleviate specific needs in the community. As a social entrepreneur, her support is targeted to a specific objective and based on her own personal passion and interest.
Designs by Tee LLC, was created in response to a need that was shared by a social worker in Brooklyn, New York. The social worker encountered people every day that needed financial assistance. Unfortunately, she did not have access to the monetary resources to provide what these families needed. After discussing the situation with another colleague, Ms. Dopwell felt compelled to take action. As a result, she created Designs by Tee. The business is incorporated as a for profit limited liability corporation. Ten percent of all product sales are set aside to provide assistance to disadvantaged families and children in Brooklyn, New York.
Eight distinct collections make up the current offerings in the Designs by Tee LLC t-shirt line. The collections contain items for adults and children. Social workers might want to take a look at the Social Work collection as well. It includes a choice of tote bags for all of the “stuff” social workers carry.
Ms. Dopwell who is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW,) currently works full-time as an Outpatient Ambulatory Medical Social Worker. Ambulatory care is medical care that is provided through outpatient medical services. Patients travel to the medical facility to receive care and return to their residence the same day. Patients may need to be connected to services that are provided in their home. They may also need to receive assistance in procuring financial aid to meet their healthcare needs. Ms. Dopwell assists patients with these and other home/health related concerns.
Ms. Dopwell has a heart for children and families. She has 10 years of combined work experience in both Child Welfare and Medical Social Work. She admires Dr. Brene Brown a social worker, researcher and author because “she talks about vulnerability and shame, which are underlying issues in family dynamics.” She also enjoys working with nonprofit and faith based organizations and participates in women’s empowerment events as well.
You will find Designs by Tee, LLC at the following address www.designsbytee3.com. You may also follow on Instagram @designsby tee3 and Facebook @designsbytee3.
Marcyline Bailey, ACSW, LCSW is the author of Five Smart Questions Social Workers Should Ask if They Want to Boost Their Social Work Income e-book Starter Guide and Planner. These free downloads contain five strategic questions to consider before taking on a side hustle. You may also want to view Side Hustle Success as a Full Time Social Worker one of the webinars in the Side Hustle Social Worker Webinar Series.
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