A journey that began far from the bustling streets of Chicago in the historic city of Odessa, Ukraine. Ninel Pompushko was born into a culture rich with tradition and storytelling. She arrived in the United States at age two, bringing the seeds of her future endeavors. Before the inception of The T-Shirt Deli, she honed her skills as an advertising copywriter. There, she learned the art of crafting messages that resonate and the importance of a narrative that connects. Her expertise in communication and her innate understanding of the human psyche became the foundation upon which The T-Shirt Deli brand was built. Ninel's vision was to create a space that wasn't just a store but a community hub, reminiscent of the warmth and camaraderie found in the Jewish delis of her heritage. A place where every custom t-shirt tells a story, every design is a conversation starter, and every customer leaves feeling like family. From the aroma of freshly printed t-shirts to the laughter shared over the counter, The T-Shirt Deli is more than just a business—it's a testament to Ninel's dream that crossed oceans and generations. She used her tremendous creativity, unlimited passion, and celebration of culture to turn that dream into a thriving business.

Denise Plumb brings a wealth of creativity and expertise to our team. After 25 years in Los Angeles she left behind her film production career and headed to the Midwest to embark on a new chapter of her life with Ninel and their family of five tiny dogs. Ten years ago, she took over The T-Shirt Deli website and transformed it into a platform that continues to evolve and improve under her guidance. Despite her reluctance to be in the spotlight, we captured a photo she approved for this feature—a testament to her humility and preference for working behind the scenes. Known for her Midas touch, everything Denise touches turns to gold, showcasing her exceptional skills in design and beyond.