Cheerware Thrives in Twin Cities Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
Cheerware, a popular homeware brand, faces challenges as TikTok’s future hangs in the balance while thriving in the Twin Cities market
Cheerware, Minneapolis, TikTok, E-commerce, Small Business
Minneapolis: What began as a fun project during COVID-19 for Arlee Tenpas has turned into a thriving business. Cheerware has gained a loyal following online, with orders rolling in constantly.
Based in Minneapolis, Cheerware sells custom glassware and apparel. It’s a small operation, but Tenpas has sold over 15,000 products, thanks to her creativity and TikTok’s magic.
Originally from Lake Elmo, Tenpas was in marketing for a beverage company in Chicago when the pandemic hit. She found herself scrolling through TikTok, inspired by others’ creative projects. “I thought, why not give it a shot?” she said.
Cheerware offers a variety of products, from drinking glasses and diner mugs to T-shirts and bags. Tenpas aims to add a touch of excitement to everyday items.
Each design is unique, featuring everything from charming village scenes to pop culture references. “It’s not for everyone, but those who love it really connect with it,” she shared.
Tenpas runs a small team, including a studio assistant and a customer service rep. She often relies on her community for support when a product goes viral.
After leaving Chicago in 2023, she worked from Lake Elmo for a bit before settling into her studio in Northeast Minneapolis. Cheerware’s local ties remain strong, with apparel made by a nearby company.
Recently, Cheerware made its debut at a pop-up event in St. Paul, showcasing its products to the community.
After some early success on Etsy, Tenpas got a boost from her sister, who designed a custom website for her. The launch featured a Halloween collection that quickly went viral.
“Orders were coming in every second,” Tenpas recalled. With 500,000 views on TikTok, her website struggled to keep up with demand.
Tenpas quit her job soon after and focused on Cheerware full-time from her Chicago apartment. Now, with over 50,000 TikTok followers, the business continues to grow.
“TikTok built this business,” she said. They collaborate with influencers to promote new collections, like the Zelda-themed line that gained over a million views.
Social media expert Arik Hanson noted that working with creators is key for reaching younger audiences. Cheerware has partnered with other popular brands to expand its reach.
However, with the potential TikTok ban looming, Tenpas is preparing for the future. A recent law could force TikTok to sell or face a ban in the U.S., raising concerns for many businesses.
“Banning TikTok would be a big deal for the economy,” Hanson explained. He believes it would impact marketing and culture significantly.
To prepare, Hanson suggests small businesses develop contingency plans and secure handles on new platforms. Many Minnesota businesses rely on TikTok for sales, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
Despite the uncertainty, Tenpas is proactive. “I’m planning for a future without TikTok,” she said. While still active on the platform, she’s exploring other avenues like YouTube and newsletters to engage her audience.
Creating long-form content is a challenge, but she’s adapting. Currently, 70% of Cheerware’s sales come from online, with the rest from local shops.
With a new studio space, Tenpas has plenty of ideas for the future, including pop-up markets and fresh designs. She’s excited to create products that brighten people’s days.
“I can’t wait to do more for Minnesota,” she said, hinting at new designs that celebrate local neighborhoods.
One innovative product in the works is a unique lid for her drinkware, something she hasn’t seen on the market yet. “I love making ordinary things special,” she added.