Starting a small business at a young age is something that many hopeful entrepreneurs aspire to put on their resumes. For one Indiana University student, that aspiration has become a reality…a big one to say at the least.

Franki Kramer is a junior at Indiana University, studying hospitality event management within The School of Public Health. She is also an active member in greek life on campus. The Long Island, New York native may seem like she has a lot on her plate already, but to top it all off she runs her very own small business: Mother Trucker by Franki. 

Her business, Mother Trucker, is an online fashion brand that specializes in customized trucker hats, but has recently expanded to clothing. Kramer’s designs are well-known and frequently worn throughout the IU student body. Her infamous trucker hats are much different than the typical baseball cap in that they have a mesh material for breathability and are even adjustable. Buyers choose from a plethora of colors, patterns, and embroidered patches when it comes to the customization of the hats. Kramer does all of the customizing on her own as well as the distribution of the products through shipping. Her products appeal to a wide variety of consumers, especially young adults. 

“The goal that I had from the start was to really segment a gender neutral audience,” Kramer said, “I didn’t want to generate one specific age, gender, or type of person.” 

Kramer’s original motive was to find a hat accessory to fulfill her own individual needs, not ever thinking it would be the start of building her own brand. But, once she started showing off her creative products, people started to inquire about her hats. She saw this interest as an opportunity to develop her own company and from there, Mother Trucker was born. Since then, the brand has expanded to a whole new level.  Kramer created an Instagram as well as her very own website to display her products. She started to garner more and more followers and orders, which has led her to have consumers all across the country.

“It went from ordering five hats to 100 hats,” said Kramer. “I am selling to friends, family, and to people who I have never even met.” 

When asked how she decided on the name for her brand, Kramer couldn’t help but laugh. She said the name was the last part of the entire business planning process. “Mother Trucker” was chosen partially because of the products she creates, trucker hats, but it also stems from the well-known provocative term. Franki wants people to hear her brand-name once, and never forget it. 

Kramer said, “I wanted a catching brand name that would call people’s attention. All of the other ideas I had were less recognizable.” 

Kramer’s business name isn’t the only thing that stands to be unrecognizable. Her work ethic, creativity, lust for fashion, and determination to maintain a business as well as being a college student is inspiring to others. 

Gabie Ingoglia, one of Kramer’s best friends, is one of those inspired individuals. She sees first-hand how much effort goes into Mother Trucker, as well as how much fun it has been to see one of her closest friends grow her very own brand from the ground up. 

“She found this passion with Mother Trucker, and just seeing the difference where her eyes light up with something she’s passionate about,” Ingoglia said. “It’s been really inspiring as a friend to see how someone at such a young age can go after such a big dream.” 

Franki hopes to continue her brand even after she graduates from Indiana University in Spring 2022. Her small business has ultimately helped her get through college and will only assist her even further as she will become a senior next fall. Until then, she will continue expanding the brand, reaching more consumers, and creating more styles that embody her own. Mother Trucker now includes more merchandise other than just hats. It has expanded to sweatshirts, sweatpants, beanies, socks, and bandanas. Go check out all of Franki’s designs on instagram and online at: https://mothertruckerbyfranki.com/.