From Garage Startup to National Success: The Story of Amped Events and Rebel Clothing

In the crowded world of event experiences and custom printing, Amped Events and Rebel Clothing stand out for one simple reason: they’ve never lost sight of what makes an experience unforgettable—engagement, personalization, and quality.

Founded by Tomika Brown, these two sister companies serve colleges, universities, and small businesses across the United States, offering tailored event activations and bulk custom merchandise with unparalleled quality and efficiency.

 

The Power of Personalization in Campus Engagement

Amped Events specializes in on-site custom merchandise printing at college events—think license plates, hats, and t-shirts created live while students watch. This dynamic approach transforms otherwise standard campus programs into interactive, high-energy experiences.

“We go for two to three hours, students come up, tell us what they want, and we print it on the spot,” says Brown. “We’ve been doing this since 2008, and the response has been incredible.”

With over 2,000 colleges on their roster, Amped Events targets key departments like Student Affairs, Orientation, and Admissions—all focused on student engagement. This hyper-targeted strategy not only ensures relevance but builds long-lasting partnerships.

 

Strategic Growth Rooted in Insight

Brown’s secret? Experience. Before leading Amped, she served as Director of Special Programs at UNC Charlotte. Her insider knowledge helps her anticipate the needs of higher ed departments.

“I used to be the one hiring vendors for student events. Now, I’m on the other side. That perspective helps us serve our clients better,” she explains.

Amped Events’ strategic marketing avoids traditional ads. Instead, Brown focuses on attending higher ed conferences and building word-of-mouth momentum.

 

Rebel Clothing: Smart Diversification, Same Values

Launched as a side hustle, Rebel Clothing focuses exclusively on bulk printing for small businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations. What makes it unique is how it complements Amped Events without competing.

Brown uses a clever segmentation approach. “We chose schools that wouldn’t be a fit for Amped and marketed to them under the Rebel brand. That way, we broaden our market without diluting the Amped identity.”

Rebel also partners with foster care systems and charities, always giving back when working with nonprofit entities. “For the schools, they pay us. But for nonprofits, we always find a way to give back.”

 

Nationwide, Grassroots Expansion

Despite serving clients from California to New York, the growth has been carefully paced. Brown owns a facility in Gastonia, NC, just outside Charlotte, and is preparing to open a second location in her hometown of St. Louis. A California office is also in the works.

“We often drive to events with all our equipment. But if we can offer the same quality by printing and shipping from our base, that would open even more doors,” she says.

 

Behind the Scenes: Team, Culture, and Vision

With a team of four full-time and five part-time staff, the operation runs lean but highly effective. Even the office culture reflects the brand’s warmth and creativity: “Everyone brings their dogs to the office,” Brown laughs.

Brown credits her mentor, a former advisor at UNC Charlotte, for helping start the business in her garage back in 2008. When the mentor retired, she handed the reins to Brown, who has taken the company national.

“I never imagined this when we started. But we’ve stuck to what we know: great service and better products.”

 

The Best-Kept Secret in Custom Merch & Events

Though largely fueled by word-of-mouth, Brown is now stepping into the digital spotlight. “We’re finally leaning into social media and online visibility,” she admits.

As the brand evolves, its core promise remains the same: high-quality, customizable experiences at unmatched prices.

So whether you’re a university planner looking to energize your next orientation or a nonprofit needing branded merchandise, you now know the name behind the best-kept secret in custom events: Amped Events and Rebel Clothing.

Contact:

Website: www.ampedevents.com

Facebook: Tomika Brown

Instagram: Amped Events

Email: events@ampedevents.com​

Phone: 888​​-683-4386