Baby Squid Ink is more than just a name—it’s a heartfelt tribute to my sister, Jennifer. Born in 1978, she wasn’t just my little sister; she was my best friend, my confidante, and the heart of so many of my most cherished childhood memories. She had a bright, playful spirit that could light up any room, and from the moment she could talk, we shared an unbreakable bond.

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.

  • One of the many cards I have saved from Jen

  • My card for Jen’s 16th Birthday

This was a time before cellphones, emails, or video chats. To stay connected, Jennifer and I relied on long phone calls and handwritten letters.

In 1994, 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

Art has always been my passion, the thing that set my imagination free. As a kid, I would spend hours designing album covers for bands that only existed in my head, sketching out graphics, and getting lost in a world of color and creativity. It was my escape, my joy but for years, it was just for me.

That all changed in the early 2000s when I decided to turn my passion into something more. Armed with a copy of Illustrator for Dummies and a lot of determination, I dove headfirst into digital design. Through late nights, trial and error, and plenty of “aha”moments, I refined my skills, transforming raw creativity into the polished designs you see in my work today.

Custom apparel has always been a huge part memy 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.

  • Disneyworld, 1978

  • Daytona Beach, 2003

  • San Francisco, 2004

  • Philadelphia, 2005

  • Fenway Park, 2006

  • Chicago, 2010

NYE 1989

One of my most treasured T-shirts? The one from Aerosmith’s legendary New Year’s Eve concert at the Boston Garden in 1989. That night was nothing short of magical. Thanks to a unique family connection—my father had dated Steven Tyler’s sister—we scored an invite to the show. The energy was electric, the music unforgettable, and as the clock struck midnight, I got to ring in the New Year alongside my father. Meeting Steven Tyler and the entire band was epic! It wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience I’ll never forget.

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.

  • Kowloon, 2000

  • Hong Kong Harbor, 2000

  • Shenzhen, 2002

Life Changing Moments

Though my mom left this world in early 2014, her spirit remains a guiding light in my life. Her unwavering support and belief in me shaped my journey and instilled in me the understanding that I could be anyone and achieve anything. Growing up with her love, I learned the importance of valuing every human being. Even in her absence, the love she showered upon me continues to inspire and guide me. I feel her presence every day and miss her deeply.

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 embodies the essence of a true artist, seamlessly blending his talents as a painter and musician into a harmonious symphony of creativity. Hailing from Norwood, MA, his artistic journey began in childhood, where he nurtured his dual passions. After high school, John immersed himself in the vibrant art scene at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts School, dedicating himself to his craft. Simultaneously, his rhythmic prowess as a drummer led him to tour with local bands, culminating in a memorable performance at New York City’s iconic CBGB—a venue renowned for launching legendary acts like the Ramones and Blondie. John’s multifaceted artistry continues to inspire, reflecting a life devoted to the pursuit of creative expression.

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.

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.

Papa 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.

Papa 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.