A Passion for Pride: dMart Gear is Rainbow Ready!
While the end of June marks a significant benchmark for LGBTQ history with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Pride has become a 365 days-per-year celebration. Parades and festivals have begun to return after a pandemic hiatus, and revelers want to celebrate in style. dMart Gear, founded in 2017, is ready to outfit you with everything from tanks, T-shirts and hoodies to drag-fabulous items that are sure to make a statement wherever you go.
dMart stands apart from much of the available Pride swag because it's LGBTQ-owned and operated. Co-founders Chuck Migliore and Danny Martinez met at the Jersey Shore and initially collaborated on some custom design work for LGBTQ-owned businesses. With Migliore's finance background and Martinez's talent for graphic design, the collaboration seemed like the perfect fit. However, Migliore admits that any small business requires an unflinching tenacity, saying, "It has been a wild ride full of late nights and life lessons."
The business, which was primarily selling clothing pre-pandemic, suddenly found itself in the face mask business. Still, Migliore says, "Being able to evolve as a company has been something we are extremely proud of." With vaccination rates increasing by the day and more public spaces reopening, the time has come to, once again, embrace Pride, which Migliore describes as "a celebration of being able to simply be 'yourself,' totally and completely.
dMart also recognized it could help elevate other LGBTQ entrepreneurs by supporting a number of talented New York and New Jersey-based drag performers with their merchandise offerings and elevating their own brands.
"We are a 'one-stop shop' of sorts," says Migliore of dMart's business model, "handling everything from creating custom designs for the performers, shipping their product, and sharing their merch catalogs on our website. It has been a great experience working with so many talented and diverse performers, so they are able to put their sole focus on their performances."
Wondering how to express Pride this season? Here are some of EDGE's dMart Gear favorite picks:
Human Pride T-Shirt — Whether you're LGBTQ or an ally, at the end of the day, we're all human, and there's no better way to express the sentiment of inclusion than with a Human Pride T-shirt.
Gay Pride Disco Ball Tank Top — Ready to dance somewhere else besides your living room? Bring on the DJ and slip into this super-fun tank-top to work up a sweat.
Shante You Stay Mug — What better way to start the day than with a cup of RuPaul? "Shante you stay" will kick off your daily routine with a "yes you can" attitude.
NJ's Hardest Working Housewife Weekender Bag — Anida Tension's grab-n-go back is perfect for a day trip or overnight getaway. And who doesn't want to travel with New Jersey's hardest-working housewife in tow?
Transexual Pride Flag Bumper Sticker — You don't need a car to show off your trans pride! Stick this top-quality vinyl sticker on your laptop, refrigerator, bike helmet or any flat surface.
Gaylicious Wine Tumbler — More outdoor parties mean you'll need more ways to enjoy your wine! This vacuum-insulated, no-stem wine tumbler will keep that rosé chilled all afternoon.
Proud AF Flip-Flops — Whether you're headed to a pool party, beach or backyard, step out in style wearing these rainbow-striped flip-flops.
Rainbow Striped Band Jock Strap — Looking to offer a special Pride surprise. You'll be sure to turn heads and drop jaws when your special someone sees you sporting this double-banded Pride jockstrap.
Gay Bear Beach Towel — Woof! This fun beach and pool towel features a harness-wearing bear illustration and colors of the Bear Pride flag, originally designed by Craig Byrnes.