Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join Joe Federico on the Pride and Promotion podcast to discuss my journey as a queer Latino business owner and the creator of Hunky Tops. It was an inspiring conversation, filled with reflections on why I started Hunky Tops, the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur, and the powerful role community plays in my brand's success.
If you missed the episode, here’s a glimpse into what we talked about.
How It All Started
Hunky Tops was born out of my own experience as a queer person searching for clothing that reflected my identity. Back in 2023, I noticed a gap in the market: most LGBTQ+ apparel was either heavily rainbow-themed (great, but not my everyday vibe) or edgy and underground (awesome, but not always practical). I wanted something that was bold, authentic, and a little playful—a middle ground that let me express myself every day.
As a tech professional by day, I had zero experience running a business, but I was driven by my passion. With a love for design and a desire to bring something new to the table, I created Hunky Tops—a one-person operation where I design, market, and manage everything from customer service to tech support.
A Turning Point: Challenges and Resilience
During the podcast, Joe and I discussed one of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced so far: a security breach in my Meta ads account. Someone hacked my account, ran unrelated ads, and spent thousands of dollars in just a few hours. It was a nightmare navigating the refund process, but it also forced me to rethink my approach to marketing.
The experience made me realize how dependent my business had become on paid social media. That’s when I decided to flip the script and shift my focus to the heart of my brand: the LGBTQ+ community. Instead of pouring money into ads, I’m now investing in partnerships with creators, artists, and ambassadors who believe in Hunky Tops. The results have been amazing, and I’m more energized than ever to grow this business organically.
Community Is Everything
Hunky Tops wouldn’t exist without the incredible support of our community. During the podcast, Joe shared how my designs helped him embrace his identity as a queer man. Hearing stories like his is why I do what I do. Whether it’s through fun slogans like “My Boyfriend’s a Werewolf” or simple, subtle designs like a bear and an otter (for those who want to express themselves in a quieter way), Hunky Tops is all about helping people feel seen and celebrated.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to build Hunky Tops, I’m excited to explore new collaborations, connect with more creators, and expand the stories we tell through our designs. I also want to dive deeper into representing the intersections of identity—like being queer and Latinx—because those nuances matter and deserve a platform.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you want to hear the full conversation, you can listen to my episode on the Pride and Promotion podcast here. Joe and I talk about everything from the challenges of entrepreneurship to the importance of user-generated content (UGC) and the value of authenticity in marketing.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported Hunky Tops so far. Whether you’ve bought a t-shirt, tagged us in a post, or shared your story, you’re part of this journey, and I couldn’t do it without you.
Let’s Connect!
Want to get involved? Whether you’re an artist, a creator, or just someone who loves what Hunky Tops stands for, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram at @hunkytopsapparel or email me at christian@hunkytops.store.
Together, we can keep growing this community and creating designs that celebrate every facet of our identities. Thank you for being part of the Hunky Tops story.
