TODAY I CAN DO ANYTHING
Inspiration on a Tee
In 2011, Ranya Batal was working as a waitress and a struggling makeup artist. She felt defeated, started listening to motivational speakers and was inspired to print a few T-shirts with the words “Today I Can Do Anything” on the front.
Although Batal made the T-shirts for herself and a few friends, within weeks of making them, she started receiving phone calls and emails inquiring about purchasing the tee. With support from her father, Batal went to the downtown Los Angeles fashion district to source plain white tees. By early 2102, she was selling the style out of a kiosk at Hollywood and Highland and soon expanded the line to sweatshirts, wristbands and mugs.
Two years later, Batal has a fashion and athletic apparel and accessories company named after the first T-shirt. Los Angeles–based Today I Can Do Anything (TICDA) specializes in spreading a positive message and building a movement to encourage people to feel good about themselves.
She moved her kiosk to the Westfield Century Citymall in Los Angeles’ Century City neighborhood, where she sells products in several languages, including Hebrew and Arabic, which are the most popular.
All tees are made from 100 percent cotton and come in a variety of bright colors.
Batal would like to continue to expand into other items, including yoga gear, and she is currently finalizing a licensing deal with Trident Case for cellphone covers.
The entrepreneur said her shirts’ message has been adopted by local schools to support their anti-bullying campaigns as well as by individuals overcoming personal challenges.
“Customer testimonials make all the difference,” Batal said. “Kids in school will let me know about getting better grades when they wear the shirt. From people wearing it to AA meetings to outdoor activities, such as confronting their fear of heights, this brand is helping people in their [day-to-day] lives.”
Wholesale price points for tees average $5. For more information, visit www.todayicandoanything.com.
