Mike Jones doesn’t have to worry about looking for a job after he graduates this spring. He already knows which business he’ll be working for – his own.
Jones, a senior graphic design major from Waldo, began Shiner Apparel business in 2022 while still in school at SAU. Located in Waldo, the store offers shirts, jerseys, crew necks, hoodies, jeans, and more. It’s Jones who creates all the designs for the clothes.
The dream of becoming an artist began for Jones when he was 12. “As a kid, I liked to draw,” said Jones. “Once I heard about graphic design, I knew what I wanted to do for my career.”
The initiative displayed by Jones was one of the first things that stood out to Kurt Coppersmith, chair of the Department of Art and Design at SAU. “One of the big things about Mike is his drive to succeed,” said Coppersmith. “One thing we stress with all our students is getting real world experience. Mike has that. He has definitely excelled since he’s been at SAU.”
Originally from Delhi, La., Jones and his family moved to Waldo in 2008. Along with his artistic knack, Jones also excelled in sports. He participated in both football and track, and received scholarship offers in both sports at SAU. Jones ran track for the Muleriders until tearing his MCL in his junior year.
Now Jones is focused solely on graduation in May and on his growing business. “I’ve always had a thing for fashion. I just love coming up with designs. I try to stay up on current designs and fashion trends,” said Jones of his growing business. Shiner Apparel ships clothes around the U.S. and the world. “You get excited when people ask you ‘where can I get that,’ and ‘who made it?’ and stuff like that. I love meeting new people when they come into the store and them being excited.”
Nathan Lambert, assistant professor of art and design at SAU, saw Jones’ talent early on. “Mike has a lot of irons in the fire, but you wouldn’t know it because he doesn’t brag about it,” said Lambert. “He started his own company. He’s kind of this underspoken creator.
“Mike has been a great student,” added Lambert. Starting a business can be overwhelming for anyone, but it can be especially difficult while juggling the coursework as a fulltime student. Jones enlisted the help of his parents, Mike, Sr. and Kei. “There’s a lot more to it than just waking up, designing shirts, and selling them,” said Jones. “My parents helped me a lot. I go over ideas with them.”
Following graduation, Jones hopes to expand his business to five-to-ten stores in the Ark-La-Tex area, including a store in Magnolia, and he also hopes to add a warehouse. Currently, customers can shop either in the store located in Waldo or online at www.shinerapparel.com
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Jones combined his natural talent for design with hours of hard work over the years, and he also credits his SAU teachers for helping him succeed in the field. Jones said the professors at SAU helped him learn and improve his craft over his four years in college. “I’ve had a lot of wonderful professors who have really taught me a lot,” said Jones, who would recommend SAU to anyone considering a career in art or graphic design. “SAU is a great school for graphic design. The teachers will help you along the way.”
Mike has not only impressed those around him during his college career, he has already created his job for the future.
