MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee business that started with just one T-shirt has turned into a successful business that gives back as much as it takes to the community.
For 10 years, Enrique Murguia has been honing his business, Milwaukee OATS (short for Only A T-shirt). This is a screen printing job. Over the past decade, he has moved from a studio to warehouse space and more recently to a location with studio space in the back of the store. Business is booming for this man known as T-Shirt Boomin.
“It feels so good, you know.[Opening the storefront]gives me a lot of confidence that I like to dream about something and wake up and feel like I actually have it.” “We'll help you,” Murguia said.
The Milwaukee OATS storefront is located on Kinnickinnic Avenue in Milwaukee's Bayview neighborhood. Opened in July 2023. He will be able to do some screen printing on parts of the building, displaying his designs alongside those of other local creators.
james grow
“So let's bring in a lot of artists and have them sell their products here, whether it's clothing or art,” he said.
He currently wears clothes designed by three different local artists, including videographer TeeGlazedIt.
Murguia prints shirts for national companies as well as many local organizations, including Freidat, Sherman Park Grocery Store, and 414 Life. He also focuses on giving back to the community. As part of his job, he works with local high schools and youth organizations to hire interns who provide hands-on learning opportunities.
james grow
“And the more orders we get, the more young people we can pay to work here, so that's great,” he said.
Interns are hired part-time and earn between $15 and $17 per hour.
“I literally learned almost everything you need to know to start a brand,” said intern Ivan Mendoza.
Mendoza has previously worked at other retail stores and said his experience at Milwaukee OATS was incredibly educational and interactive.
“It wasn't just the manager telling me to fold my shirt or go over here. It was a bond. It was like we got to know each other. We took our work seriously. I had to, and he gave me feedback on things, and I'm sure he asks me for feedback,” Mendoza said.
james grow
Murguia also created a peer mentorship program to help high school and college students find their own path. He works with Employ Milwaukee to give young people who have been to juvenile detention or in trouble with the law the opportunity to learn new skills that can be applied to their future careers.
“Young people are starting to identify the career path they want to take. Some young people come here and think, 'I want to start a clothing brand,'” Murguia said in a 2021 interview.
Enrique is successful not only because of his screen printing business, but also because he believes that when you invest in your community, you get an equal return.
“I plan on being here for many years to come. You know, when I have kids, they're going to come here, and I just want to make this community a better place.” He said. It touches my heart, like the person I needed in the next generation. ”
In the future, Murguia hopes to host live screen printing sessions, print and drink, and is working on building a music studio in the basement.
So while his business started with just T-shirts, it became something much bigger for him and the city he loves.
Please take a look when you have time. Search for “TMJ4” on your device and he'll be streaming your local news and weather forecasts 24/7.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip
