I'm super stoked about today's spotlight because I'm featuring a shop that I've had my eye on for about 4 years. The shop is Basho Apparel, a fantastic screen printing studio based in Dayton, OH. Basho was one of the first shops I ever discovered on etsy and I was enamored with every one of their designs. During my weekend in Yellow Springs, I actually got to meet Brian in person when I stopped by their brick and mortar store. I've always enjoyed browsing through their virtual store but nothing quite beats browsing in person. For me, buying a piece of their apparel is like adding a piece of artwork to my collection of clothes. I encourage everyone to check out their store in Yellow Springs but until then, read this great feature!
Tell me a little about your shop and what you sell
Basho Apparel does all its own designing and screen printing. We sell designer T-shirts, Dresses, Sweaters, Bandannas, Hoodies, Scarves and many other types of apparel.
What is your process when you create items for your shop?
Our process is a very specialized one. Basho Apparel is an extremely eco-friendly screen printing company. We only use non-toxic water based ink that are cleaner than the standard plasticol inks used. Also, we use a method called discharge printing. This method goes in and actually redyes the fibers of the shirt, creating a much softer and durable print. There is no plastic feel to the image.
How much of what you sell is influenced by Southern Ohio?
In any art it is impossible to not be influence by your surroundings. In alot of our designs you will see this influence through native animals.
As well, Basho has recently been sponsoring other local artist on apparel. So in that sense the local artist are the inspiration.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Southern Ohio? What keeps you in Southern Ohio?
Yellow Springs is a great place to set up shop. The people are friendly and the town is very supportive of its businesses. We have been here 8 years and loved every minute.
What part of Southern Ohio do you live in and how long have you been here?
Paul Baker, the founder of Basho, has lived in Yellow Springs for 8 years.
Brian Jonson, the new marketing and sales director, has lived in Dayton for the past 5 years.
Both of these cities has great undiscovered attributes. Alot of people think there is not much to do in Dayton but I have found that if you keep your eyes open and your ear to the ground you can find more things to do than you can fit in your schedule.
What are your top 3 favorite places to eat in Southern Ohio?
Akashi Sushi Bar-Great sushi
The Sunrise Cafe-Local handmade fare
The Winds-Best of the best in fine dinning
What are your top 3 favorite go to events in Southern Ohio?
Cyclops Fest-A local, all handmade festival with a focus on D.I.Y.
Urban Nights-A great Downtown Dayton Event. All the stores are open late and have special events planned. Its a great time to see whats going on downtown.
Yellow Springs 4th of July Fireworks-An intimate event with just as much BANG as any urban setting.
What are your top 3 favorite places to shop/thrift in Southern Ohio?
Kismet in Yellow Springs is a great store with tons of variety. They are always getting new product in.
Feathers (Downtown Dayton)-Feathers has a ton of antique apparel, records and accessories.
Press (Downtown Dayton)-Whereas this is not a retail outlet, This is one of the best coffee experience you will ever have anywhere. Featuring pour overs, hand picked espresso and a love of coffee that is unprecedented you cannot go wrong.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself, your shop or Southern Ohio?
Southern Ohio is a great place to live, work and raise a family. The more people who get out and get active in the area, the more people will realize that.
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Thanks again, Brian, for sharing about Basho and your favorites in Southern Ohio. It's really inspiring to hear talented, creative people talk about how much they love living in this area. Basho is a big part of Yellow Springs and Dayton. They recently did live screen printing at Press during Urban Nights and I couldn't go a couple steps without seeing someone wearing their shirts in Yellow Springs. Southern Ohio is a cooler place because of businesses like Basho.
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