New Orleans, LA – The vibrant city of New Orleans is grappling with the sudden and tragic passing of John Abston, co-founder of the NOLA T-Shirt of the Month Club. John’s wife and business partner, Jackie Abston, shared the heartbreaking news on Saturday, November 11, 2023, expressing incredible sadness over the loss of her husband and the creative mind behind their beloved venture.
In her announcement on social media, Jackie reminisced about the inception of The NOLA T-Shirt Club in 2015, a labor of love initiated by John’s deep affection for New Orleans. The club started as an online store, with Jackie taking charge of the website and social media management. The success of their venture led to the opening of the first physical store in March 2018, followed by the expansion to two brick-and-mortar locations alongside the online platform by 2020.
NOLA, which stands for New Orleans Louisiana, became known for its diverse and spirited shirt designs, featuring themes such as Mardi Gras, sports teams, summer, St. Patrick’s Day, kid-friendly styles, and festival-inspired prints. Beyond shirts, NOLA’s eclectic merchandise includes socks, hats, stickers, bags, jewelry, leggings, kitchen towels, and more.
In addition to their merchandise, the NOLA T-Shirt of the Month Club became a popular subscription service with various duration options. Members could receive unique shirts around the 20th of each month, contributing to the sense of community and creativity that John cherished.
John Abston’s sudden departure has not only left a void in the business he co-founded but has also impacted the New Orleans community, where he was known for his love of local culture and small businesses. Colleagues, friends, and customers have been expressing their condolences and sharing memories of John, highlighting his dedication to the community and his creative contributions.
As New Orleans mourns the loss of a beloved entrepreneur and community member, the NOLA T-Shirt Club will undoubtedly continue to be a testament to John Abston’s vision and passion for the city he loved.
