Alumna creates clothing line with sparkle

At six-feet tall, UCF alumna Monique Malcolm has spent most of her life standing out — but not always for her height.

After completing her business management degree in 2006, she began to substitute teach in Auburndale. After a while, she found herself losing interest in her profession and dressing up for work.

She decided to do something about it, and so began her company Antisparkle Apparel, a quirky T-shirt company with tenants adhering to individualism, attitude and being a star.

The company is based around staple graphic designs with an out-of-this-world appeal, including the astronaut, the star and the alien. The "fancy unicorn" and "cupcake thief" make guest appearances in designs, as well.

She hopes her line of T-shirts, prints, necklaces and bags will inspire those who are "pleasantly out there," as Malcolm calls it.

The one-time earth science teacher puts her personality into her funky screen prints and products.

From the pop-culture-inspired slogans, such as "Geek is Gangster," to the v-neck screen prints she creates, her inspirations include pop culture, the Internet and anything that catches her interest.

Unlike a traditional retailer, there are no rules with Antisparkle Apparel, and Malcolm wouldn't have it any other way.

"If I like something or think it's funny, then it will get printed," Malcolm said. "I can print whatever I want in small batches. If it works, it works; and if it doesn't, it's not a big deal."

With a long list of friends and fans willing to be involved in product testing, the entrepreneur has no trouble finding feedback about new designs.

Algie Hendrieth is a longtime friend of Malcolm's. He also supports Antisparkle and was a UCF student from 2002-2003. Hendrieth owns Antisparkle products and often purchases Antisparkle merchandise as gifts.

He lists his favorite character as Ace, the astronaut, and says his rocket-pop shirt that features Ace riding a popsicle is a "nostalgic nod to everything kids love."

In fact, it was Hendrieth who was the biggest supporter of Malcolm's most recent project: Chase the Cure.

Malcolm developed a print to raise money for cancer research that features two favorite characters, the astronaut and the alien. The print has the lighthearted look of the other designs but punches a very serious message: "Keep Chasing The Cure."

After losing a grandmother to cancer, Malcolm decided to use her passion for the greater good. It took a little prodding from Hendrieth to give Malcolm that extra push to get this project off the ground in September.

The custom print sells for $12, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Malcolm's goal is to reach $1,000; she will continue to sell the print throughout the month of October, a month synonymous with cancer awareness.

If all goes well, Antisparkle will continue to raise money for charities on an annual basis. Malcolm has always wanted to keep a component of charity in her business plan.

The majority of Antisparkle's business is done online at www.antisparkle.com, but Malcolm has big plans. She wants to form partnerships with local boutiques to get her product out in places that will be a good fit with the funky line.

When Malcolm feels comfortable enough, she will open an Antisparkle boutique in Orlando to headquarter the brand. This brings on a new set of branding decisions.

"Orlando is so spread out; I don't know where it could be," Malcolm said. "I have some other ideas, like creating a mobile store. I am toying with that idea - it would make traveling and going to trade shows much more convenient."

The message of Antisparkle rings true in every design; a physical testament to being a little different, embracing the wacky and not being afraid to stand tall and proud.