When she was little, I gave her a nickname—“Baby Squid.” It was one of those silly, affectionate names that just stuck, and she absolutely adored it. It became our thing, a symbol of the unique connection we shared.
Even as we grew older, through every challenge and every milestone, “Baby Squid” was always hers. Today, that name lives on through my business, a constant reminder of her love, her laughter, and the creative spark she inspired in me.
This was a time before cellphones, emails, or video chats. To stay connected, Jennifer and I relied on long phone calls and handwritten letters. Eventually, I moved closer, wanting to be near my mom and sister.
I treasured every moment we spent together during her high school years. We were inseparable—going to the movies, lingering for hours in her favorite coffee shop, sipping coffee while dissecting life’s mysteries, laughing at inside jokes only we understood. Music was always our backdrop, filling the spaces between our conversations as we shared our dreams, fears, and everything in between. Those late-night talks, the songs that became our soundtrack, and the quiet comfort of just being together—these are the memories I hold closest to my heart.
Then, leukemia changed everything. Jennifer got sick, and I was by her side through it all. She passed away in 1997 at just 19 years old. Losing her was devastating, but I wanted to keep her memory alive. When I started my own business, naming it after her was the only choice—it had to be Baby Squid Ink.
Our first logo was a silhouette of Jennifer’s eyes. Her presence and spirit are woven into everything I create.
A Lifelong Passion for Art & Custom Apparel
I’ve always loved creating art. As a kid, I spent hours designing imaginary album covers, dreaming up graphics, and letting creativity flow. Art was my escape, my passion—but for the longest time, it was just for me.
In the early 2000s, I decided to take my creativity to the next level. I grabbed a copy of Illustrator for Dummies and dove into the world of digital design. Through trial and error, my skills evolved into what you see in my work today.
Custom apparel has always been a huge part of my life. Whether it was a trip to an amusement park, a concert, or an unforgettable vacation, I always brought home a souvenir T-shirt. They weren’t just shirts—they were memories.
From Corporate Retail to Entrepreneurship
After college, my career took me into the world of corporate retail. I started in broadcast radio with big dreams, but I soon found my love for product development and retail buying. Over the years, I worked with Hills Department Stores, Bradlees, and CVS as a seasonal general merchandise buyer—you know, that big middle aisle you always shop at CVS? That was my world. I even traveled to Hong Kong, visiting factories and working with vendors to curate holiday merchandise for the upcoming seasons.
I also held product marketing roles in the wine, home cleaning, and infant feeding industries before discovering my passion for print and promotional products at W.B. Mason in 2013.
Life Changing Moments
My mom, my guiding light, passed away in early 2014, leaving a void I feel every single day. Growing up with two loving parents, I learned that I could be anyone and do anything—and that every human being matters.
Her unwavering support and belief in me molded who I am, and even though her absence has forever changed my world, her love continues to inspire and guide me. I miss her dearly every day.
When the Universe Gives You a Win…
In 2013, I met my husband, John, and from the very first moment, I knew—this was something special. It was love at first sight, the kind that feels like a missing piece falling into place.
John is an artist in every sense of the word—a talented painter and a passionate musician. He grew up in Norwood, MA. John developed both his musical and artistic talents starting at an early age.
After high school, pursued his artistic craft at the Museum of Fine Arts School in Boston, pouring his soul into his work.
As a drummer, he toured with local bands, even playing at the legendary CBGB’s in New York City, leaving his mark on a stage where so many greats had stood before him.
From the moment we had our first official date in January 2013, we were inseparable. It wasn’t just love—it was the kind of deep, undeniable connection that felt like coming home. I had found my person, the one who truly saw me, understood me, and made my world brighter just by being in it.
By the fall of 2014, we knew there was no reason to wait any longer. We said “I do,” sealing a love that had already woven itself into every part of our lives.
A few months later, we found our home in Hull, MA—a place by the ocean where we could not only build a life but chase our dreams together. The salty air, the sound of the waves, the sense of belonging—it was the perfect backdrop for our next chapter.
John is my best friend, my rock, and my greatest champion. He lifts me up when I falter, believes in me even when I struggle to believe in myself, and we celebrate every milestone, big or small, together.
I spent years wondering if I would ever find a love like this. Now, I know—he was worth every moment of the wait.
Then, COVID happened. Like so many others, I was furloughed and unsure of what was next. That uncertainty led me to rediscover my passion for custom apparel.
My father had always been one of my greatest advocates, constantly urging me to embrace my creativity. But in 2020, his words carried a different weight—he reminded me of the pure joy I once felt designing as a kid, reigniting a spark I didn’t realize had dimmed.
Not long after, I dusted off my creative spirit and started small—with a Cricut machine and a single T-shirt, made just for him. That one design sparked something bigger. Orders started coming in, and what began as a simple project quickly grew into something more—Baby Squid Ink was born.
My father always rocked my creations, proudly wearing every new design I sent him. Then, in June 2023, everything changed in an instant—Papa passed away suddenly, leaving a void that shattered my world
My father believed in what I was creating, I had to keep going. I want to honor him by doing all I can to grow Baby Squid Ink. John jumped in to help with production, and together, we took a bold leap in the fall of 2023. We invested in a state-of-the-art Direct To Film (DTF) printer, transitioning from vinyl pressing to full-color ink imprinting. It was a game-changer, allowing us to bring even more creativity to life and cementing our small corner in the custom apparel landscape.
We run Baby Squid Ink right from our home, with our beagle, Beasley, keeping us company (and pretending she’s the boss!).
Why Baby Squid Ink?
Because this business isn’t just about printing T-shirts—it’s about storytelling, memory-making, and creating something meaningful. It’s about honoring my sister’s legacy, embracing my lifelong love of design, and making high-quality, custom apparel that people love.
When you wear something from Baby Squid Ink, you’re wearing a piece of that passion, that history, and that love.
Welcome to our journey. Welcome to Baby Squid Ink.