I met Jake in a Mile End coworking space to talk about the different aspects of launching and growing a pin business.
Whatâs his project all about?
Ruined Rep offers high-quality streetwear pins with a strong nod to pop culture. You can see the full collection online. If youâre more an in-person kinda fellow, then head down to Off The Hookâs boutique.
Where did the inspiration come from?
âI was working a 9-to-5 job and found myself sitting on the couch every night and just watching TV. I was like ‘this sucks’, I should really do something. And then one day I saw a smoked-meat-and-dill-pickle pin I really liked and thought ‘man, pins are the shit!’ I knew family friends who could help me produce pins, and thatâs how I launched Ruined Rep. I called it that because it seems like for every thing I do in life, people around me are concerned Iâll ruin my reputation. Well, so far itâs worked out!â
Whatâs been difficult?
âGetting distribution right, getting known, dealing with retail, keeping my margins where I need them. I try and design as much as I can, but I really enjoy collaborating with someone who might have a very specific idea and a good social reach. It feels good to work on a pin and see people really adopt it. But I stick to making pins that I like – someone suggested I make some Trump pins, but that isnât who I am. As the Ruined Rep slogan goes, if you like it, you like it; if not, âkindly fuck offâ.
Whatâs a lesson youâve learned?
âDonât give so many of your pins away! We have this tendency to give things to friends and family, but theyâre normally your first fans, so youâre essentially taking a complete loss on a pin instead of making a sale.â
Thanks for the inspiration!
No problem!
Looking for pins? Check out Ruined Rep’s website and Instagram!