Jennifer Basile is the founder of “Blessed in Distress,” a sports apparel brand that sees her hand-dye sweatshirts inspired by the four major Philadelphia sports teams, writes Laura Swartz for Philadelphia Magazine. 

Her venture started when the pandemic hit.

“My job as a sixth-grade teacher transitioned to virtual learning, so I had extra time,” Basile said. “I started out dyeing and distressing­ graphic t-shirts. Then a good friend was like, ‘You live in South Philly; you should start doing the Philly sports.’ And that took off, so I’ve stuck with it.”

All items are made to order, spray-dyed and solid, cropped and full-length, hoodies, and quarter-zips. Sizes range from babies through adult 5XL.

Turnaround time for orders is typically two weeks.

Her most popular style is the “Dancing On My Own” design, which was inspired by the Phillies’ playoff runs over the past couple years.

All in all, Basile finds her inspiration through Philly sports fans.

“They’re the most passionate that exist, I swear,” said Basile. “I don’t realize how much of these products I’m making, and then to see them out — it’s mind-blowing.”

She even got a message from two different people at a Kansas City bar who recognized each other’s merchandise because they were both ‘Blessed in Distress’ apparel.

Read more about Jennifer Basile’s sports apparel business at Philadelphia Magazine.

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