Zip-Dang

Natalie & Mike: 23 Years Wholesale Apparel and Gifts Our story started in 1998, with a conservative beginning as two like-minded kids who had just graduated from art school knows as the Art Institute of Seattle. They like each other a lot and pursued live together in a visually exciting way to say the least. We spent the first 7 years after graduating from AIS together, and by 2005 we moved to Boise, Idaho. Two artists in a new town, Natalie was laid off from her graphic design job, and Mike felt it was time for a change from his commercial work as well- so I started teaching Natalie to sew. Full disclosure: I’m a self-taught sewist. And it was hard at first, but Natalie quickly took to it like a fish to water. We got a booth at Hyde Park Street Fair, broke the bank on some new fabric and a $70 used sewing machine, began crafting what would become our orangyporangy clothing line. Full of humor, snark, and color, it was a hit! So we moved inland with Idaho, to a bigger pond of cooler people- Portland, Oregon. For over five years, we traveled around the country to art and music fairs, selling orangyporangy clothes and meeting amazing artists and customers like yourselves. And then in 2010, they saw a sad and vacant little shop with a "for rent" sign in the window down the street from their apartment. So, they signed a lease without a plan. What was I thinking? Thank the great pumpkin for my friends, family, and neighbors, who accepted our mismatched wares (photography by Mike and screenprinted clothing by Natalie) with open arms, and helped us renovate the store (we even painted the windows!). Today, Mike is a professional illustrator (day job: advertising) with a focus on playing with all the possible elements of the modern digital storytelling world. Natalie designed and oversees the Build-a-Brand service offered here on the Zip-Dang site- getting folks like your mom and you self-contained, affordable, uniquely designed products that tell the world who you are. Site is still the first, and probably only, of its kind out there- DIY/low risk/NO MINIMUMS- even with buyer's remorse!

Enthusiastically positive reviews describe Madison's Zip-Dang as a vibrant, inviting and fun local store with a variety of unique and colorful art, clothing, and gift items. Stores owner was frequently called out in shout-outs for her warmth and friendliness as well as her charming dog named Clover. Customers have admired the variety of folklore-inspired art and gifts, particularly Mike's artwork and divination cards. Many reviewers enjoyed the genuine and creative energy of the in-store objects, further endorsing the store as a gem with a vibrant and special aura with fascinating and one-of-a-kind finds. acclaimed the high level of customer service, such as letting autistic customers try items on, and welcomed pets, making the store an even more cozy and friendly environment, with one client declaring that the store is Madison's true spirit, others in the area agreed and called the Zip-Dang a necessary exploration and store that reflects the city's welcoming and unique qualities. Most reviews regarded the store as cool and welcoming, which is a perfect spot for anyone looking for prospering, local, good vibes spots for art, gifts, and clothing.