How TGB Started

In April 2013, Ashleigh decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business, The Graphic Brand.  She invested in what she knew best: printing t-shirts, purchasing a DTG M2 printer and all the equipment necessary to get into production. She started off with a bang and had orders lined up, and hasn't slowed down one bit!

In addition to DTG Printing on t-shirts, Ashleigh also prints on canvas, making custom prints and signs. There are endless possibilities for a canvas piece: wedding gifts, photos, signs, quotes, house numbers. 

For other apparel options, TGB also offers embroidery, screen printing, and vinyl heat transfers. With all these options, there's a solution for anything!

With the beginning of a new year, Ashleigh has decided to expand and promote various other products. Since many customers are small business owners as well, she will also offer marketing materials and promotional products. To name a few, business cards, postcards, invitations, signs, banners, and magnets.

Credentials 

Ashleigh began her career in graphic design during high school through various art classes, but mostly through leadership roles on the yearbook staff.  Ashleigh earned many honors for her leadership, drive, and commitment to the award-winning production. By the time her senior year rolled around, she knew her passion was graphic design. Ashleigh and her twin sister, Meghann, graduated as Co-Valedictorians from Manchester High School in June 2009.

The following fall, Ashleigh began her journey towards a Communication Arts and Graphic Design degree at the University of Saint Francis.  She also kept her interest in starting her own business, leading to a minor in Business Administration.  By the end of her career at USF, Ashleigh was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Communication Arts and Graphic Design, Judge's Choice in the Fort Wayne Advertising Federation Addy Awards, and a Gold Award at the AdFed District Level.  She graduated in May 2012 with Highest Honors!

About Ashleigh

Ashleigh (Kiester) Thomas is the owner and founder of The Graphic Brand. She has been working in the apparel decorating industry for over five years and been designing her whole life. She has been blessed with an identical twin sister, Meghann, to have by her side as they shared all the same interests and went through everything together, including USF. Ashleigh's role model for starting her own business has been her mom, Linda, who started her own billing business the year "the girls" were born. 

In October 2013, Ashleigh married her best friend, Corey. (She will tell you to never start a business and get married in the same year!) They were last minute high school sweethearts, having been "just" friends since junior high. They have a four-legged "kid", a blue-heeler named Kenley. She is also another employee you will find regularly at The Graphic Brand!