Lifestyle

Graphic T-shirts Grow in Popularity

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2023

Everyone wears them – kids, adults, women, and men – but nobody really thinks too much about them.

Sales of printed graphic t-shirts are increasing. Customers in industries such as hospitality, logistics, construction, industrial, and medical, are increasingly providing custom-printed t-shirts to their employees as a marketing tool. Not only that, but the use of custom-printed t-shirts to raise social awareness and support a cause have made graphic tees particularly popular among the younger generation. This coupled with the ability to print a wide range of colors, patterns, words or images onto shirts have driven the demand for custom tees through the roof! .

Here are just a few of the reasons graphic tees never go out of style:

Easy to wear. It probably goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. T-shirts are probably the most comfortable and casual clothing anyone can own. They are cute, simple, and comfortable for tasks such as running errands or meeting friends for a quick lunch or drink.
Something For Everyone. As we age, the gap between age-appropriate clothing thins. The versatility and combinations of the graphic T-shirt make it an attraction for people of all age groups and body types. Children can use these shirts to showcase their winning teams in miniature football. Students may use them to represent their favorite artists, songwriters, and authors. Adults can use them for job marketing strategies. Each age group can define what a shirt like this will mean to them.
A Source of Positivity. The world is filled with its fair share of challenges. Sometimes something as simple as our clothing can provide comfort and compassion to those around us. Sarcastic T-shirts continue to offer solace in times of intense worry. These quirky statements can act as icebreakers and help to foster empathy in times of crisis.
A Powerful Statement. Graphic tees can play a significant role in spreading awareness and powerful messages. In protests, crowds often wear shirts with messages on them to show solidarity. They can make statements that anyone can understand instantly just by looking at them. Wearing these powerful messages can make you feel empowered and can make the people around you feel supported.

Humans expressed themselves with tees long before tweets, Facebook statuses, or even messages, but today t-shirts have achieved a whole new level of artiness. From everyday casual looks to special events, you can make any graphic tee look awesome if you pair it with other accessories and clothes. Whatever your interests are, there’s a shirt for you out there.

Ricoma International

Ricoma International is the custom apparel industry’s leading manufacturer of embroidery machines and apparel decorating equipment. Founded on the mission of providing quality equipment that’s both reliable and affordable to apparel decorators, Ricoma has grown into a multi-national business serving apparel decorators in more than 160 countries. Along with manufacturing top-quality equipment, Ricoma prides itself on offering expert training, round-the-clock technical support and free educational resources to help new decorators hone their craft and make the custom apparel industry more accessible for everyone.

Follow Henry Ma & Ricoma on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook on @RicomaHQ

Get some business inspiration and tips on Ricoma’s YouTube.

Lifestyle

Derik Fay: The Quiet Power Broker Who Scales Empires and Empowers Generations

Published

13 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Michelle Langton

At 46 years old and standing at an impressive 6’1″, Derik Fay is more than an entrepreneur—he is the architect behind a network of thriving businesses and a digital mentor for thousands. His journey from a single neighborhood gym in Florida to holding stakes in over 40 companies spans decades of strategic vision, discipline, and authenticity.

From Modest Beginnings to a Marketplace Maven

Born on November 19, 1978, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Fay’s early environment offered little in the way of nepotism or crutches—but plenty of lessons. He dropped out of college after just one semester and embraced the grind. At just 22, with lean resources and fierce determination, he launched his first gym. That venture would eventually grow into Florida’s most successful independently owned fitness chain before being acquired by a publicly traded company.

This early win became the foundation for 3F Management, the private equity firm Fay launched post-exit. Today, 3F powers brands across sectors—from fintech and residential infrastructure to combat sports, entertainment, and beauty—each elevated through Fay’s hands-on approach to ownership and operational excellence.

Visibility as Strategic Leverage

Fay’s ascent into public consciousness was not staged. He built his online presence—now over 1.4 million followers strong—through honest, unfiltered takes on business, failure, leadership, and growth. His content resonates because it isn’t rehearsed; it’s earned. Followers tune in not for spectacle but for insight, often quoting “He doesn’t just invest—he builds your belief,” reflecting Fay’s authentic support.

Building Brands, Restoring Hope

Among his notable ventures is Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)—a testament to his willingness to enter unorthodox sectors with strategic clarity. In other less obvious arenas, Fay reinvigorated a faltering beauty company by pairing it with Hollywood cachet and narrative-driven marketing. In another case, an AI startup saw its valuation ascend tenfold in under a year after Fay contributed not only capital but also storytelling structure and vision.

Estimated Net Worth & Long-Term Vision

Although Fay maintains a discrete public profile, credible industry estimates place his net worth somewhere between $100 million and $250 million. This valuation comes from his diverse equity stakes, successful exits, real estate investments, and his firm’s consistent growth and reinvestment cycle.

Personal Life Anchored in Legacy

Off-screen, Fay is a devoted partner to Shandra Phillips (since 2021) and a hands-on father to two daughters: Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay. He’s more than a mogul—he’s a mentor. An embodiment of “If I can do it, anyone can,” his presence in DMs or quick coaching call is not rare, but intentional.

Rerouting the Model of Modern Wealth

Unlike today’s entrepreneurs who prioritize visibility and virality, Fay applies visibility as a lever—not an objective. He quietly scales, confident that his systems and culture will outlive the trends. He mentors, not performatively, but tangibly. For him, success isn’t a moment—it’s a long-term ecosystem amplified through structure, not spotlight.