In the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, Jose from Inked Xpressions has transformed a simple garage into a full-service print shop that delivers screen printing, embroidery, and DTF printing at a professional level. What started in 2016 with a basic manual press has evolved into a lean, high-efficiency operation powered by top-tier equipment, smart software, and a deep commitment to quality. This shop tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how a garage print shop can run like a well-oiled machine while staying true to its roots.
Starting A Screen Printing Business From Scratch
Inked Xpressions began in 2016 when Jose decided to turn his garage into a print shop after working eight years in the industry. Armed with hands-on experience but limited resources, he launched the business using an old manual press. The challenges were real, from inconsistent prints to slow production, but the vision was clear: build something better from the ground up.
Realizing the need to compete with professional shops, Jose invested in an Anatol automatic screen printing press just one year after starting. This upgrade eliminated much of the human error, increased output quality, and opened the door to larger orders. For Jose, taking the leap into automation was more than a purchase; it was a decision to take his garage print shop seriously and set the foundation for long-term growth.
How Inked Xpressions Maximizes Space In A Garage Print Shop
Running a screen printing business from a garage comes with space challenges, but Inked Xpressions proves that efficiency beats square footage. Jose carefully designed his workspace so that every inch serves a purpose. From compact screen racks to efficient layout planning, the shop runs like a streamlined production floor without wasting space.
Technology plays a major role in staying lean. With DecoNetwork software, Jose manages everything from quotes and order tracking to customer communication in one place. His Anatol automatic press and quiet California Air Tools compressor keep the operation running smoothly without disrupting the neighborhood. To accommodate growth, Jose purchased the property next door, expanding into embroidery, heat pressing, and DTF printing while keeping production noise low and output high.
Running A Family-Owned, Full-Service Print Shop At Home
At the core of Inked Xpressions is a strong family dynamic that powers the business from the inside out. Jose has built a print shop that not only operates from home but also employs his family members, creating a close-knit team with a shared purpose. This family-first approach adds flexibility and trust to every part of the operation.
Inked Xpressions offers a wide range of decoration methods to meet customer needs. The shop handles screen printing, embroidery, DTF transfers, custom tags, heat press patches, and even specialty placements like sleeves and collars. Equipment like the Hotronix 360 IQ, Recoma embroidery machines, and Mighty Hoop systems allow the team to produce high-quality results with speed and precision. By offering all major decoration services under one roof, Inked Xpressions has positioned itself as a reliable, full-service print shop ready to take on any custom apparel order.
Inked Xpressions: From Garage Startup To Professional Print Shop
Inked Xpressions is a powerful example of how a garage print shop can grow into a full-service apparel decoration business with the right mix of passion, planning, and family support. What started with a manual press in a small garage has become a streamlined operation offering screen printing, embroidery, and DTF printing under one roof. By investing in automation, embracing technology like DecoNetwork, and expanding into new services, Jose has built more than a print shop. He has built a business with heart and hustle that continues to thrive in the Phoenix heat.
