Weekly Feature – Rise Laboratories

Our feature this week is Rise Laboratories. We asked a few questions and got a few answers. Here they are for your enjoyment:

PCT: Describe your site and the concept behind it.

RL: Well there’s really three things, a trifecta if you will, that created Rise.
1) For my day job, I have an interactive web agency and specifically, I’m a Flash developer. I work a lot on interactive sites for entertainment brands which is a really fun process as far as bringing things to life on the web.
2) I’ve always been into cool T’s, whether they are band tees or just regular graphics. Like many people, I feel them to be an extension of my personality.
3) Most people don’t know this, but I work closely on web projects with LA fashion designer Darren Romanelli.. he’s actually an incredible marketing guy along with being a RIDICULOUS designer. His gear is insane and he’s collabed with everyone from Looney Tunes to Lupe Fiasco to Fall Out Boy. He’s been a huge inspiration for me to get into making my own gear.

All that being said, with Rise Labs I’m now able to take my love for creating and bring it into the real world and make something that people can wear and enjoy. My whole goal isn’t to sell as many shirts as possible, but rather to create T’s that I love to wear, and hope a few people feel the same way. Also, my shirts are 100% ringspun cotton, so they’re nice and soft. I hate bulky tees.

Squirt

rise_squirt

$19 + shipping at Rise Laboratories

PCT: What do you think is unique about your site?

RL: Probably that I personally designed and developed it. Along with my best-friend/roommate/business-partner TJ Certo, we’ve personally handled the creation of each and every part of our brand. Aside from that, we came up with the name Rise Laboratories and we really ran with the theme of laboratories and science equipment, while also keeping with the theme of colorful and fun. When some of our friends saw the site for the first time, they repeatedly told me “This is so you guys.” So TJ and I are happy to have created something that speaks straight from who we are.

PCT: What type of customer does your site target?

RL: Anyone that loves our style. This is something we’re totally passionate about and we hope to find and meet people who dig what we’re doing.

Bear Trap

rise_beartrap

$19 + shipping at Rise Laboratories

PCT: Do you just offer T-shirts?

RL: As of right now, yes. We’re brand new.. barely a week old. At some point I’d love to get into making sneakers. I have a whole bunch of colorful Nikes and Reeboks, even a pair of purple and yellow Pumps.

PCT: How often should we see new designs?

RL: I would love to get a new shirt out about every two weeks or so. We’ve launched with the six currently on the site, narrowed down from about a dozen or so originals. Some of those will get to see the light of day soon. Also, I’ve got a really cool artist collaboration in the works so that will be the next shirt available.

PCT: Where in the world is your site located?

RL: Technically, the site is at a data center in Michigan 😉 Really though, my office is in Milford, Connecticut.

Do you ship international?

RL: I’d love to.. I would just ask that my overseas customers hit me up at [email protected] 🙂

Girls Tee

rise_girlstee

$19 + shipping at Rise Laboratories

PCT: Freestyle round. Say what you want.

RL: I think my next profession will be some sort of Life Guru, so here goes. I’d like to remind everyone reading this to do what YOU are passionate about. I know it’s hard, but try not to be influenced by what other people are doing or saying.. that’s where we make the most mistakes. Aspire to be the best at whatever it is you do, and try to find a way to keep motivated. You’ll find that being apart of something that you truly love is the most rewarding of all.

Be inspired to rise!

x) Bonus Question: Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Haha! Gun!

Just kidding.. I always hated when kids did that in elementary school. I’ll take scissors.

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Final Thoughts from PCT:

We normally do larger sites on the Weekly feature, but there is always time to give an up-and-comer a little bit of shine. I especially like the bear drinking the XXX beverage. If I was a bear, I would be drinking that too. Give Rise Laboratories a visit and pick up the bear (or another shirt will do.)

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