Image — full bleed — Paul & Steve at the press, or storefront exterior
Est. 2005 — Hazel Park, MI
Two Guys. One City. 21 Years.
Our Story
We didn't start Ink Detroit to sell t-shirts. We started it because we never stopped loving this city — and figured everyone else stuck around for the same reason.
Image — 4:5 — Paul Marcial portrait or working at the press
Meet Paul
Started With An Airbrush And A Study Hall
- High SchoolSold airbrushed tees out of his art class as a sophomore — earning class credit for it.
- MCCStudied art, graphic design, and print technology.
- Early 2000sBought a four-color silkscreen press with his roommates. Printed out of a rental house basement.
Image — 4:5 — Steve Mansour portrait or in the shop
Meet Steve
Learned The Trade Before He Had A Name For It
- Family BusinessHis father arrived in Detroit an immigrant, built a leather and fur business from nothing.
- The WarehouseSteve worked the floor and the stores — that's where he learned to sell.
- Mortgage FirmRan his own successful firm before Ink Detroit — style and scale never stopped pulling at him.
Paul and Steve first crossed paths working a Royal Oak art gallery project called ROAM. Paul remembered him. In late 2004, he made the call.
"I Have An Idea. Want To Meet?"
Paul Marcial, to Steve Mansour — Late 2004
21 Years, No Detours
How We Got Here
2004
The Introduction
Paul and Steve meet working on ROAM, an art gallery project in Royal Oak. The idea starts there.
Jan 2005
Ink Detroit Is Born
One phone call turns into a business. Built on flyers and word of mouth — no social media yet.
2009
Online, And 700 Deep
The Ink Detroit online store launches, backed by a launch party and fashion show that pulled 700 guests and local media.
Today
21 Years, Still Local
Same shop, same city. Ink Detroit gear is now carried in retailers across Michigan.
2005
Founded
21
Years Running
700
Guests, 2009 Launch
1
Shop, Hazel Park
Image — 4:5 — storefront or interior at 731 E 9 Mile Rd
Still Here
Same Shop We Started In. Just Bigger.
731 E 9 Mile Rd, Hazel Park. Same city, same crew, twenty-one years running.
Visit The Shop
Image — 4:5 — screen printing in progress
Image — 3:4 — finished product close-up
Wear Where You're From
Twenty-One Years In. Still Making It In Hazel Park.
Shop the pieces that started it, or come say hi in person.