Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Curling
Hi Dawn , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Journey: From Heat Press to Community Impact
I started my business in a 10×10 booth, pressing heat transfers on shirts—completely unaware of the journey I was about to embark on. At the time, I was working a corporate job at age 28, making small custom shirts for coworkers. A business partner encouraged me to leave my full-time job and dive into the world of t-shirt printing. With little experience, we took a huge leap, producing 500 shirts to sell at the Million Man March—and we completely sold out. That success gave me the confidence to take my side hustle more seriously.
I decided to go part-time, setting up shop at a flea market after work, with a friend helping take orders while I completed them. After three months of struggling to make a profit, I realized it was time to take a leap of faith. I quit my job, left behind my steady income and health insurance, and committed to growing my business full-time.
That decision changed everything. With more time to focus, I built relationships with customers—many of whom were people I already knew. I then formed a team of young, popular high school sophomores, and from there, the business took off. We became known for quick turnarounds, top-tier graphics, and unmatched creativity.
An opportunity arose to open a second location OUTEAST in a building owned by my father. I worked between both spaces until COVID hit, forcing me to shut down my flea market location and operate solely from the OUTEAST spot.
The Birth of the Jax Melanin Market
In 2016, an organization came into the community, aiming to create a marketplace to bring awareness to local businesses. However, they set up blocks away from the actual businesses, which didn’t sit right with me. This corridor—the last intact African American community in Jacksonville—is historically designated and a Florida Main Street, where I am proud to be a 4th-generation business owner.
Feeling the disconnect, I reached out to State Representative Angie Nixon, and together, we co-founded the Melanin Market. We rallied local business owners to set up along the sidewalks, brought in a DJ, and created a space where the community could truly thrive.
Fast forward eight years, and the Jax Melanin Market has:
Hosted over 80 markets, drawing more than 10,000 visitors per event
Expanded to four annual markets (Black History Month, Juneteenth, Jazz on the Ave, and Black Friday)
Organized community events like Kids Summer Splash, Micro-Grant Programs, Buy Black Bus Blitz, Movies in the Park, Large Easter Events, and Fall Festivals
Awarded over $60,000 in mini-grants to help more than 60 Black-owned businesses grow
What started as a simple t-shirt booth has evolved into a movement that uplifts small businesses and celebrates Black culture. I never could have imagined this journey, but looking back, every step—from pressing shirts in a flea market to co-founding the Melanin Market—was leading me to something greater. And the best part? We’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road, and honestly, it still isn’t. But I’ve often been told that I make it look easy.
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is building and maintaining professional relationships. In any business or community-driven initiative, partnerships are essential. However, finding the right people who align with our vision, who truly understand the mission and are willing to collaborate in meaningful ways, has been a challenge. Not everyone operates with the same level of integrity or commitment, and that has led to setbacks along the way.
Funding is another major hurdle. While we’ve been able to accomplish a lot with limited resources, securing consistent financial support—whether through grants, sponsorships, or investments—has been an ongoing battle. Many of the initiatives we’ve launched, like the Melanin Market, Mini Grant Program, and Buy Black Bus Blitz, directly support Black-owned businesses, but scaling those efforts requires more funding than what’s readily available.
Despite these struggles, we’ve continued to push forward, finding creative solutions, building strong community support, and staying committed to the vision. Every challenge has been a lesson, and those lessons have only made us stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My Work and What Sets Me Apart
I wear many hats, but at the core of it all, I am a community builder, entrepreneur, and advocate for economic empowerment. Through We Make the Shirt, I’ve built a thriving custom apparel business, and as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Melanin Collaborative Group, I’ve helped create a platform that uplifts and supports Black-owned businesses.
I specialize in community engagement, business development, and creating economic opportunities for small business owners. I’m known for my relentless dedication to the community, my ability to bring people together, and my commitment to making sure resources flow directly into the hands of those who need them most.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Out of all my accomplishments, the thing I’m most proud of is becoming a mother at 44 for the first time. Balancing motherhood while continuing to serve my community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I’m also incredibly proud of:
Keeping boots on the ground in my local community—I don’t just talk about change; I work every day to make it happen.
Creating opportunities for others—whether through small business grants, vendor spaces, or programs like the Buy Black Bus Blitz.
Being deeply connected to the people I serve—what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to be in the community, to be around the people who look like my cousin, uncle, or auntie. Some people hesitate to engage with certain communities, but I embrace everyone.
At the end of the day, my work is about uplifting, empowering, and making a lasting impact—not just for myself, but for generations to come.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Future of My Industry: Growth, Innovation, and Community Impact
Over the next 5-10 years, I see significant shifts in both the custom apparel industry and community economic development.
Trends and Changes in Custom Apparel
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Products – Consumers are becoming more conscious about where their clothing comes from. I see a rise in demand for eco-friendly fabrics, water-based inks, and ethical production practices.
Advanced Printing Technology – Methods like Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing, 3D sublimation, and on-demand production will continue to evolve, making customization faster, more affordable, and more detailed.
Personalization at Scale – With AI and automation, people will expect even more unique, made-to-order designs, pushing businesses like mine to offer hyper-customized products that reflect personal identity and culture.
The Future of Community Economic Development
More Support for Black-Owned Businesses – Movements like the Melanin Market and Cash Mob Bus will continue to gain traction, ensuring that small Black-owned businesses receive direct financial and customer support.
The Rise of Intentional Spending – Programs like the Buy Black Bus Blitz and Cash Mob Bus are designed to intentionally drive customers to Black-owned businesses. As awareness grows, I expect more structured initiatives like these to help shift consumer habits.
More Public-Private Partnerships – Cities and organizations will start investing in initiatives like the Melanin Market, recognizing their role in economic revitalization and community wealth-building.
The Impact of the Cash Mob Bus
The Cash Mob Bus will play a huge role in shaping the future of community commerce. This initiative brings 55+ people to visit five locally owned Black businesses, creating immediate sales boosts, brand exposure, and long-term customer relationships. The direct impact of a single event can generate thousands of dollars in revenue, helping businesses stay open, expand, and hire more people.
Final Thoughts
In the next decade, I see custom apparel becoming more innovative and eco-conscious, while community-driven economic initiatives gain mainstream attention. My goal is to stay ahead of these changes, continue creating opportunities, and make an even greater impact on small businesses and the community.
Pricing:
- $20 to $50 for tee shirts different print types
- Melanin Market Vending space range $100 to $500 depending on what you sell
- you can visit our website wemaketheshirt.com and jaxmelaninmarket.com
Contact Info:
- Website: Wemaketheshirt.com, jaxmelaninmarket.com
- Instagram: wemaketheshirt2, jaxmelaninmarket
- Facebook: wemaketheshirt2, jaxmelaninmarket.com
- LinkedIn: https://melanincollaborativegroup.com
