From Halfway House Hustle to Sober Streetwear Success: My Journey of Redemption and Resilience
- Michael Romano
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
An Article by:
Michael Romano CARC/SSC 3/17
Alright, let's dive deep and tell my story, the raw, unfiltered truth of building Let's Get It Tshirts from a halfway house dream to a thriving sober streetwear brand. Buckle up, because this ain't your typical success story.
Yo, what's up fam? Mikeybuns here, and I'm about to drop some real talk. This ain't no sugar-coated fairy tale. This is the story of how I went from rock bottom to building a business, all while staying sober and living by spiritual principles. It's a story of struggle, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
Let's rewind to a few years ago. Picture this: me, living in a halfway house in Haverstraw, NY, after 25yrs of Active Addiction, surrounded by the ghosts of my past. Addiction had stripped me bare, leaving me with nothing but regret and a burning desire for change. I was lost, broken, and desperate for a way out. But even in the darkest of times, a flicker of hope remained.
I had this crazy idea, this vision of creating a clothing brand that would inspire others on their journey of recovery. A brand that would represent strength, resilience, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. I called it Let's Get It Tshirts. It was more than just a name; it was a mantra, a battle cry, a declaration of war against my demons.
But how do you start a business when you're living in a halfway house, with no money and no resources? That's where the hustle came in. I had a phone, a beat-up heat press, and a burning desire to make it happen. I started designing t-shirts with inspirational messages and slogans, using my own experiences and struggles as fuel.
I remember those early days like they were yesterday. Sleepless nights, endless hours of research on YouTube, Social Media, and learning from anyone who was willing to share their knowledge. I made countless mistakes, but I never gave up. I learned about design, marketing, and the art of building a brand from the ground up. I also learned about creating organic content & Growingmy business through Social Media.
The struggles were real. There were days when I doubted myself, days when I wanted to give up and go back to my old ways. But I had a support system, a community of fellow recovering addicts who believed in me. Especially my Girlfriend Veronica, who truly believed in me. I leaned on my spiritual principles, practicing honesty, humility, and service. I prayed, I meditated, and I stayed connected to something bigger than myself.
One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the stigma of being a recovering addict. People doubted me, questioned my abilities, and tried to hold me back. But I refused to let their negativity define me. I knew that my past didn't dictate my future. I was determined to prove them wrong.
There were financial struggles, too. Starting a business with no capital is no easy feat. I hustled, I bartered, and I found creative ways to make things happen. I learned the value of every dollar and the importance of being resourceful. I really hustled, selling on Ebay, Etsy, Mercari, FacebookMarketplace, wherever I could post my products. I reinvested every penny back into the business, slowly but surely building my dream.
Along the way, I learned the importance of surrounding myself with positive influences. I sought out mentors, attended workshops, and connected with other entrepreneurs. I learned from their experiences, their successes, and their failures. I realized that I didn't have to do it all alone.
As Let's Get It Tshirts started to gain traction, I faced new challenges. Scaling the business, managing inventory, and dealing with the pressures of growth. But I stayed grounded, remembering where I came from and why I started this journey. I never lost sight of my mission: to inspire others and to give back to the recovery community. From our sales, we started a nonprofit, 'SoberSuccess Outreach' where Veronica & I go out into the community. We provide meals, clothing, & HOPE to those still in the grips of Addiction.
From that tiny halfway house room, we transitioned to a small workspace, a 1-room apartment, and now, we have a house & a fully functional workshop and office. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering belief in a dream. We even have a studio for our 'SoberSuccess Podcast', in which we promote our products & talk about the ups & downs of Recovery. We went from pressing shirts on my bed, to having professional equipment and a team.
Let's Get It Tshirts became more than just a clothing brand; it became a symbol of hope, a beacon of light for those struggling with addiction. We've created a community, a movement of people who are committed to living their best lives. We've partnered with recovery organizations, sponsored events, and given back to those who are still struggling.
My journey hasn't been easy, but it's been worth every struggle. I've learned that anything is possible if you're willing to work hard, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams. I've learned that sobriety is not just about staying clean; it's about living a life of purpose, passion, and service.
If you're reading this and you're struggling with addiction, please know that you're not alone. There is hope, there is a way out, and there is a life beyond your wildest dreams waiting for you. Don't let your past define you. Don't let your circumstances hold you back. You have the power to change your life, to create a better future, and to inspire others along the way!
Start small, stay focused, and never give up. Surround yourself with positive influences, lean on your spiritual principles, and believe in yourself. You have a unique gift to share with the world, and your journey can inspire others to find their own path to recovery.
Let's Get It Tshirts is more than just a brand; it's a movement, a community, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. We're here to inspire, to motivate, and to show the world that recovery is possible. And we're just getting started!
If you are Struggling with Substance Abuse, Addiction, or Alcoholism, please reach out. For free Recovery & Personal Growth Resources, go to:⬇️
For a free 1on1 virtual coaching session, go to:⬇️
To Shop All Let's Get It Tshirts' Streetwear, go to:⬇️
To Listen To The Latest Episode of our 'SoberSuccess Podcast', go to:⬇️
Also, if you would like to Donate to our SoberSuccess Outreach, go to:⬇️
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