He created Squints Apparel to celebrate that Legends Never Die, an homage to one of his favorite films, meet Billy Conway
So many things go into naming a brand, a store, an event, or anything really. It’s hard to name something and then to present it to the world. But when Billy Conway wanted to celebrate one of his favorite films, by naming his company after a character from it, it added a great storyline to his brand. The name Squints Apparel comes from the character named “Squints” in one of the greatest films ever, The Sandlot. If you haven’t seen it, perhaps you recently downloaded Disney+, it’s streaming there. While you’re watching it pull up Squints Apparel’s site and check out their offerings. They’ve got the perfect tee for the tee shirt lover on your holiday shopping list.
1. What inspires you and your work?
I love things that make me feel nostalgic. Sports, movies, TV, music. Also making others or myself laugh. So many people take themselves so seriously, so I try to make Squints something people can have a good time with. Whether they’re buying a shirt or just reading a post, I want that person to at least get a smile out of it.
2. Are makers doers or dreamers?
I would say it’s the combination of the two that makes a maker a maker. If that makes sense. A dreamer to come up with something they like or believe in or are passionate about, and a doer to make that dream into a reality.
3. What invention / product do you wish you would have created?
It’s gotta be the Talkboy, man. Think of everything Kevin McCallister (from Home Alone) accomplished with that thing. I would like to have contributed to that. Kevin is a legend. And as they say Legends Never Die.
.jpg "IMG_3437 (1).jpg")
4. What is the worst invention / product still embraced by modern society?
Robots. They’re going to take over, man. Did you see the one that can straight up open doors now? SHEESH. They’re coming for us.
5. If you could sit down and have a drink with any person in your industry, who would it be and why?
I’ve got more than one because I couldn’t narrow it down. Ryan Vesler, the founder of HOMAGE would be incredible. They make fantastic clothes and I feel like he was the first to do what so many of us are doing now. The founders of Stance would also be awesome. They took an item of clothing that seemed neglected and completely changed the game. There was a time where people were bummed to get socks as a gift because it was boring. Now, in my opinion, they’ve made it one of the coolest gifts you can get. And it seems like such a cool company to work for. Lastly, the creator of Charlie Hustle. I’d like to learn his creative process. Especially being here in KC.
6. What do you love most about the Maker Movement happening in Kansas City right now?
This is also hard to narrow down because there are so many, but it’s been really cool seeing how people are so open to helping out others. Any questions or concerns you have, there’s a KC maker that is more than happy to help you out or point you in the right direction. I don’t know if it is like that anywhere else, but it sure is like that here. We’ve got some great folks out here. People helping people..
7. Who or what is another maker in Kansas City that you’re impressed and inspired by?
Let’s keep this interview on brand. This is too hard to narrow down. Creating Squints has been great because I’ve met so many other people I never would have before. It’s been a blessing. There are a TON of impressive and inspiring makers here in KC. That’s been the best part.
8. What Kansas City creation / icon best reflects our makers’ community?
I think the Made in KC Marketplace has been an incredible creation that shows a piece of all the different things KC makers have to offer. So many different creative people putting out awesome stuff. I’m not in there, but you could imagine what if would be like if it was.
9. If you could ask people to do just ONE thing to support the Maker Movement what would you ask or tell them?
Share, share, share. Whether it’s a retweet, putting it in your Instagram story, or recording your top notch review on your Talkboy and replaying it for your friends at different speeds... getting maker’s names out there is such a great help.
Keep up with Squints Apparel online and his apparel is available at The Bunker in Westport and Local Foundery in Downtown Lee’s Summit, MO.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 7:50 AM.