Long Island teen entrepreneur's hockey brand scores big as order surge
Ari’s brand gained attention last week when she shared how she started designing hockey-themed apparel as a way to cope with the stresses of high school.
Just a few days after News 12 introduced viewers to Ari Lechmanski, a 15-year-old roller hockey player behind the rising apparel brand DuhhHockey, demand for her designs has surged - and now her logo is expanding well beyond the rink.
Ari’s brand gained attention last week when she shared how she started designing hockey-themed apparel as a way to cope with the stresses of high school. Since News 12's story aired, orders have poured in from families and players across Long Island asking her to create versions of her eye catching “Duhh” logo for other sports.
“We have orders for DuhhLacrosse, DuhhVolleyball, DuhhFieldHockey and really any sport someone wants,” Ari told News 12. “It feels amazing. I can’t even explain the feeling. It’s just wonderful.”
What began as a small personal project has quickly grown into a full-fledged teen business.
Ari isn’t doing it alone. She’s teamed up with Chris Ferrara, a family friend who now serves as her business manager. Ferrara says the momentum has been nonstop.
“The momentum she has right now I can’t even keep up,” he said. “All we keep doing is putting in orders. I was a young entrepreneur myself, and she came to me with this idea. It’s nice to see a young person come in with some entrepreneurial spirit these days.”
Ari says the community support has been overwhelming.
“Everyone supports me. Everyone has a hand in everything. It’s great,” she said.
And the excitement isn’t just local - some New York Islanders players are already wearing her gear.
For more on Ari’s rapidly expanding brand, and to check out her merchandise, follow her on Instagram @duhh.hockey
