From a 500-Shirt Garage Order to Automation: The NL Designs Story

For Nathali Lopez, owner of NL Designs in San Marcos, Texas, investing in a ROQ E automatic press marked a major turning point in her business. A former educator who started printing shirts as a creative side project, Nathali built NL Designs into a growing apparel decorating company serving schools, businesses, and organizations across Central Texas. In this Q&A, she shares her journey to automation, why she chose the ROQ E, and how the press has helped position her shop for continued growth.

Tell us about you and your business. Where you’re located, what equipment you currently have?

My name is Nathali Lopez, and I am the owner of NL Designs, a custom apparel decorating and promotional products company based in San Marcos, Texas. Before becoming a business owner, I spent nine years in education as a bilingual teacher and elementary school librarian. In 2019, I started NL Designs as a creative outlet, making shirts for family and friends.

What began as a hobby quickly grew into a thriving business serving schools, athletic programs, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations throughout Central Texas. Today, our production equipment includes an 8-color/10-station ROQ E automatic screen printing press, a ZSK Sprint 6 embroidery machine, an Epson F2100 DTG printer, a Prestige R2 Pro DTF printer, and an Epilog 50-watt laser engraver. We also offer promotional products and custom merchandise to help our customers bring their brands and ideas to life.

Nathali & Rocky with NL Designs

NL Designs on a Riley Hopkins

How did you get into screen printing?

I got into screen printing because our customers started asking for larger and larger orders, and I quickly realized that the decoration methods I was using at the time weren't the most efficient way to produce them. I wanted to provide better pricing, faster turnaround times, and higher-quality products, so I decided to learn screen printing.

My first press was a used 4-color, 1-station Riley Hopkins 150 that I found on Facebook Marketplace. At the time, I wasn't looking to build a large production shop—I just wanted to dip my toes into the world of screen printing and see if it was something I could learn. Looking back now, I honestly have no idea how I managed some of the orders we accepted back then. The largest order I printed on that little press was 500 shirts!

As demand continued to grow, I upgraded to a 6-color, 4-station M&R Kruzer and moved production into my garage. That press allowed me to take the next step in my screen-printing journey and significantly expand what I could produce. However, after about a year, the physical demands and long hours of manual printing began to take their toll.

My husband, John, and I spent countless evenings printing in our garage through the relentless Texas heat. Those long nights were challenging, but they were also foundational to building the business. I am incredibly grateful for his encouragement, patience, and

unwavering support. Quite honestly, I don't know how I would have made it through those Texas summers without him by my side.

I loved screen printing and the creative fulfillment it brought me, but I knew that if I wanted to continue growing the business, I needed to find a more efficient and sustainable way forward.

In October 2024, I attended the Impressions Expo in Fort Worth with one goal in mind: finding the right automatic press. I knew I wanted an electric press, so I spent time researching and comparing several manufacturers. It became clear pretty quickly that the ROQ E was the right fit for our shop. The machine itself was impressive, but what really stood out was the people behind it.

Colton Moreno was my sales representative, and from the very beginning, he was incredibly patient and helpful. It took me a while to finally make the investment, and during that time, I asked a lot of questions. I was making one of the biggest decisions of my business career and honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. Colton never pressured me. Instead, he took the time to answer every question, explain the process, and help me feel confident in both the machine and the investment.

What started as a way to fulfill larger orders has grown into a true passion. Screen printing challenged me to learn new skills, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and ultimately transformed NL Designs into the business it is today.

NL Designs manual workspace

NL Designs automatic shop with the ROQ E

How would you describe your business? Does your business have a specific niche?

NL Designs is a community-focused apparel decorating company that serves a wide variety of customers throughout Central Texas. One of the things I love most about our business is that no order is too small or too large.

On any given day, we might be creating a single personalized gift for a customer and then turning around to produce hundreds or even thousands of pieces for a school district, athletic program, business, or community organization.

While we work with all types of customers, we have built a strong reputation serving schools, athletic programs, booster clubs, small businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations. As a former educator, supporting schools comes naturally to me.

I understand the unique needs of teachers, coaches, administrators, and parent organizations because I was once in their shoes. Many of the schools and organizations we serve today are the same types of communities that shaped my career in education.

If I had to describe our niche, I would say it's helping organizations build pride, culture, and community through custom apparel and promotional products. Whether it's a championship team, a school event, a fundraiser, a staff appreciation initiative, or a small business launch, we love creating products that bring people together and help people feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

At the end of the day, we're not just printing shirts—we're helping our customers celebrate milestones, tell their stories, and build community.

Nathali, Rocky & Eselda with NL Designs

What have been some key milestones and challenges in your growth?

One of the biggest milestones in our journey was simply saying "yes" to opportunities before we felt completely ready. Like many small businesses, we started with very limited equipment and learned as we went. Every equipment upgrade represented a leap of faith and a commitment to growing the business.

Moving from a home-based operation into a dedicated commercial space was a major milestone.

It allowed us to increase production capacity, create a more professional experience for our customers, and begin building the foundation for long-term growth. Another significant milestone was expanding beyond custom apparel into embroidery, DTF transfers, laser engraving, promotional products, and other decoration methods so we could better serve our customers' needs.

From a screen-printing perspective, investing in our first manual press was a huge step. Then came the transition to a larger manual press, followed by one of the biggest decisions I've made as a business owner: purchasing our ROQ E automatic press.

That investment marked a turning point for our company and gave us the ability to take on larger orders, improve consistency, and significantly increase efficiency.

Of course, growth hasn't come without challenges. As a former educator with no background in screen printing or manufacturing, I've had to learn everything from production and equipment maintenance to pricing, scheduling, staffing, and cash flow management. There have been plenty of moments where I felt overwhelmed or unsure of the next step.

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing growth with sustainability. Every stage of growth requires new investments, new systems, and new skills. Learning when to take calculated risks—and having the confidence to make those decisions—has been one of the most difficult but rewarding parts of the journey.

Looking back, I'm proud that we've continued to grow while staying true to our mission of serving our community.

Every challenge has taught us something valuable, and every milestone has been built on the relationships we've developed with our customers, employees, and partners along the way.

NL Designs Team 2

How did you first hear about ROQ and why did you choose ROQ? I first heard about ROQ through industry groups, trade shows, and conversations with other decorators. As I began researching automatic presses, the ROQ name consistently came up whenever people talked about quality, reliability, innovation, and customer support.

I also had the opportunity to attend classes at MadeLab in Fort Worth, where I was able to see a ROQ press in action. The more I learned, the more impressed I became with both the equipment and the company behind it.

As I researched automatic presses, I wasn't just looking for a machine that would solve today's problems.

I wanted equipment that would support our future growth and help us continue scaling our business for years to come.

ROQ stood out because of its reputation, build quality, thoughtful engineering, and commitment to customer success.

When I attended the Impressions Expo in Fort Worth, I spent time looking at several automatic presses.

I went into the show with an open mind, but it became clear pretty quickly that the ROQ E was the right fit for our shop. The machine itself was impressive, but what really set ROQ apart was the people.

Ultimately, I chose ROQ because I believed in both the equipment and the people behind it. I wanted a machine that would help us scale confidently, and a company that would be there to support us along the way. ROQ checked all the boxes.

How has ROQ equipment impacted your operation?

The impact has been tremendous. Our production capacity increased dramatically while maintaining consistency and print quality. Jobs that once took hours can now be completed much faster and with greater confidence.

The ROQ has allowed us to take on larger orders, improve turnaround times, and reduce production bottlenecks. It has also helped create a more professional workflow within our shop.

What was the jump from manual to auto like? How did it change your life and your business?

The jump from manual to automatic was both exciting and intimidating. Running a manual press teaches you a lot about the fundamentals of printing,

but it also comes with physical limitations.

Moving to an automatic press changed everything. Production became more efficient, registration became more consistent, and we were able to handle larger orders without exhausting ourselves physically.

Personally, it gave me confidence that our business could continue growing. Instead of spending all my energy pulling squeegees, I could focus more on leadership, customer service, sales, and strategic growth.

Personally, it gave me confidence that our business could continue growing. Instead of spending all my energy pulling squeegees, I could focus more on leadership, customer service, sales, and strategic growth.

What advice would you give someone in this industry that is at an earlier stage than you are and that is thinking of making the switch to auto?

Make sure you understand your numbers and your workflow before making the investment. An automatic press is a powerful tool, but it works best when paired with good systems and processes.

If you have consistent demand and you're finding that production capacity is limiting your growth, don't be afraid to explore automation. The right equipment can completely change the trajectory of your business. Most importantly, invest when you're ready to grow—not when you're comfortable.

Why did you choose to go with the ROQ E over other models?

The ROQ E offered the right balance of capability, efficiency, footprint, and value for our operation. As a growing shop, we wanted a machine that could handle our workload today while giving us room to grow tomorrow. The ROQ E provided the performance and reliability we were looking for without compromising quality.

Tell us about your experience with the internal air compressor and its benefits. 

One of the features we really appreciate is the internal air compressor. It simplifies installation, saves valuable shop space, and reduces the need for additional equipment in the production area. Having an integrated solution helped streamline our setup and made the transition to automation much easier.

What has your experience with ROQ service and support been like?

My experience with ROQ service and support has been exceptional. Investing in equipment is important, but having a company that truly stands behind its products and customers is just as important. From day one, I've felt like the ROQ team genuinely cares about my success.

One experience that really stands out was attending a Made Lab training class at the ROQ facility in Clermont, Florida, in March 2025. The class itself was excellent, but what impressed me most was the patience and willingness of the team to answer questions. At that point, I had only owned my automatic press for about three months, and honestly, I was still clueless. I had so much to learn.

During the training, Mike Dolph noticed I still had a lot of questions and took the time to pull me aside for one-on-one guidance. He answered every question I had and made sure I felt confident moving forward. What impressed me even more was that the support didn't stop there. After learning about a few challenges we were experiencing in our shop, Mike arranged for additional support and training to ensure we were set up for success.

Later, Sanger came to our shop for additional training, and he was fantastic. He was patient, incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and genuinely enjoyable to work with. Even after the training was complete, he continued to make himself available whenever I had questions. Throughout the year, he'll still respond to a quick text or check in to see how things are going.

That level of personal attention and follow-through is rare. ROQ doesn't just sell equipment—they build relationships. As a small business owner, knowing that I have a team of experts who are invested in my success gives me tremendous confidence. The support I've received from ROQ has been one of the best parts of being a ROQ customer.

What are you most proud of as a business?

More than anything, I'm proud of the life we've built through NL Designs and the people who have been part of the journey.

As a former educator, serving schools remains especially meaningful to me. Many of the organizations we work with are directly connected to students, teachers, coaches, and families. Knowing that our work helps support school spirit, athletics, fundraisers, and community events is incredibly rewarding.

I love that what we create helps people celebrate milestones and build a sense of pride and belonging. I'm also proud of the example this business sets for my daughters. I want them to see that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. I earned my Economics degree from Brown University and later completed my MBA at Texas State University, but some of my biggest lessons have come from building this business. I love being my own boss.

I love the creativity that comes with this industry. And I love knowing that we've built something meaningful from the ground up.

As a woman-owned, Latina-owned business, I'm especially proud of how far we've come.

What started as a small creative outlet has grown into a full-service apparel decorating company serving customers throughout Central Texas.

Even more special, our entire team is made up of women. Watching our team grow and succeed together has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

I am incredibly grateful for our customers. Every order, whether it's one item or thousands of pieces, means something to us. We never take that trust for granted.

I still get excited when customers come back to place another order because it means we've earned their confidence and built a relationship. We may still be a small shop, but we're passionate about what we do, and we're excited about what the future holds.

I also know that I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my family and team. My parents, my sister, my daughters, my husband, and my team members—Rocky, Alysia, and Eselda—have all played an important role in helping NL Designs become what it is today. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me have made all the difference.

Finally, I'm proud of the relationships I've built within this industry. One of the things I've learned is that success doesn't happen alone. I've been fortunate to learn from and connect with so many talented people along the way.

I'd especially like to recognize Mari Suarez, a fellow business owner and wonderful mentor, and Rocky Montez, an incredibly talented printer who has generously shared his knowledge and helped me become a better printer.

When I look back at where we started, I'm proud of the business we've built, but I'm even more proud of the community, relationships, and opportunities that have come from it. That's what means the most to me.

Where can people find you? (website, IG, etc.) And is there anything else you’d like to share?

You can find us online at www.shopnldesigns.com and on Facebook, IG, and Tiktok at @shopnldesigns.

I would just like to thank our customers, community, and the team at ROQ for being part of our journey. Small businesses don't succeed alone. We're grateful for every customer who trusts us with their project and every partner who has helped us grow along the way.

We're excited for what's ahead and look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come.

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