About Us
Ashbury Images in the News
A San Francisco screen printing social enterprise is celebrating 25 years of service by cutting the ribbon on a new facility in the Bayview. It's a symbol of just how successful they've been with adults and young people at risk.
Their slogan is "rebuilding lives, one t-shirt at a time." Ashbury Images is a nationally recognized manufacturer of silk screen and embroidered t-shirts. It's the business arm of a nonprofit called New Door Ventures that began in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury 25 years ago.
Tess Reynolds, New Door Ventures: "We started with a shelter for the homeless out by the Panhandle and very quickly realized that what we needed to keep the homeless off the streets were jobs."
The agency brainstormed ideas for their own business ventures. A homeless man suggested t-shirts. The first year they manufactured $5,000 worth; last year $3 million.
Ashbury Images is doing so well, the plant just moved into a new, larger space. They are also successful at transforming people, like Brandon Swinehart, who is recovering from substance abuse.
Brandon Swinehart, Ashbury Images: "This is what I've needed is the employment and the opportunity to change and do things with my life."
Jessica Gamez found herself homeless after leaving the foster care system.
Jessica Gamez, Ashbury Images: "Now I have a full time job and am about to start going to City College."
Another of their businesses is called Pedal Revolution. They sell new bikes, repair old ones, and help mend lives. Both Pedal Revolution and Ashbury Images provide paid internships for at-risk youth, teaching them how to get a job and keep it, and offering support services.
Their mission inspires places like SFMOMA, which sells Ashbury Images apparel in the museum store.
Holly Galbo, S.F. Museum Of Modern Art: "They provide great service and the social mission was very appealing to us."
Eighty percent of New Door Venture's budget comes from its successful businesses. The CEO says that's the beauty of what began 25 years ago.
