Photo: 15.20 Apparel
As Ally Kubalak’s school-aged sons started playing sports, the Minnetonka resident found herself on the sidelines, cheering them on while simultaneously scanning the crowds for school gear that she actually wanted to wear. “There were not a ton of options, mainly for us moms,” she says.
Kubalak took matters into her own hands—bought a heat press, downloaded an app and launched 15.20 Apparel, a custom apparel business, designed to offer moms school fan gear that meets their style.
Since launching, Kubalak has created apparel for more than a dozen Metro schools, including Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Breck, Minnetonka, Orono, Providence Academy and Wayzata high schools.
“I’ve always been into that classic preppy look,” Kubalak says, pointing to Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic as a strong influence. “Once I settled on a crest emblem, I just played around with that.” The crest provides the basis for Kubalak’s custom designs for button-down shirts, hats, sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tote bags and more.
In addition to being found in cheering sections, her creations are available at various art fairs and markets, and Kubalak dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar location. “I’d love to get my boys involved and make it a family thing,” she says.
For now, she’s in learning mode. “I’m always looking for pieces that haven’t been done yet,” Kubalak says. So far, so good. “I feel like I found a niche,” she says.
Shop more at 1520apparel.myshopify.com, and visit Instagram at @15.20apparel.
