When Toyiah Marquis founded Patch Party Club in 2018, she wanted to fill a void with patches that reflected her Black heritage and individuality. The company’s revenue grew during the pandemic’s DIY boom. But sales of her top-selling patch designs gradually slowed after their time in the spotlight as the novelty factor wore off.

Toyiah Marquis, 49, decided to upload her signature products to Temu in May with modest expectations. In just three weeks, Patch Party Club received more than 300 orders. Data shows that 90% of those orders came from new customers who had never seen her patches before.

“It felt like these patches were being introduced to the world all over again,” said Marquis.

Building Trust With Temu

When Temu first opened to local sellers in America in 2024, Marquis was intrigued but cautious. She wanted to be sure the platform aligned with her values and supported quality-driven creators. After reviewing Temu’s proactive approach to seller and IP protections, she decided to join.

Marquis then launched Patch Party Club Essentials exclusively on Temu — a line of affordable, themed bundles designed to reach a broader audience. “People on Temu really love bundles,” she said. “I realized they weren’t just hunting for the affordable price; they wanted pieces with meaning and personality.”

The Essentials line features six-packs priced at around $10, compared to $10 for a single premium patch in her main collection.

Designs With Personal Stories

Each design is rooted in real stories and authentic moments. Her bestseller, “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover,” was created to empower her daughter, who had written a book about being bullied. And another design featuring a bald girl resonated deeply with a customer undergoing cancer treatment. “It just made her feel seen,” Marquis said.

She noted that commission rates on Temu are “among the lowest in the industry,” making it attractive for independent creators like her who want to expand without heavy upfront investment.

Looking Ahead

Marquis now uses Temu as a testing ground for fresh ideas. “Next is adding new designs and seeing what resonates,” she said. “I want to hear what Temu customers are saying and create for them.”

Patch Party Club remains rooted in its Westchester, Illinois, storefront, where Marquis and her family host jacket and hat customization events that bring the community together.

“I want American-made creativity to shine globally,” she said. “Temu is giving me the opportunity to do that. It feels like we’re just getting started.”