View all posts

Art Meets Heart at Perrine Man Press

03/27/2025

By: Chad Biggs, Red Sky

Art Meets Heart at Perrine Man Press

 

In a world of mass-produced apparel, Perrine Man Press stands apart with its distinct approach: every design begins in Kenji Paulson's sketchbook. Her hand-drawn artistry, combined with her husband Cory's business approach, has created more than just a clothing brand—Perrine Man is a fundamental part of the Twin Falls community.

“Everything really is local, hand drawn, hand printed in house,” explains Cory Paulson, who founded the company with Kenji in 2017. “The more you look at our designs, the more you see.” He points to their signature Perrine Man logo as an example, where careful observers will notice the Perrine Bridge hidden in the mustache and the Snake River Canyon woven into the beard.

A Different Path to Growth

When the Paulsons started their business, they took an unconventional approach. Rather than seeking significant startup capital, they began at home, building slowly and deliberately. “We thought if we start this in our garage and build rather than just start with leverage, maybe we could keep costs down and then be able to be who we’re called to be without being chained,” Cory reflects.

This measured approach allowed them to stay true to their vision: creating quality apparel people actually want to wear. “We don’t want to just pump out stuff,” Cory emphasizes. “We want you to actually love the thing you get and wear it.” It’s this attention to quality and authenticity that has helped build their loyal customer base.

Values-Driven Success

At Perrine Man Press, success isn’t just measured in sales. The company’s core value of “Made for More” shapes every interaction, starting with their own team. “Cool people make it all work,” Cory says. “You can have all the business savvy and vision, but cool people make it all work.”

This philosophy extends to their customer interactions. Each person who enters their shop receives a special “Made for More” sticker—a reminder of their inherent value. “We want to share with each person that you really are incredibly valuable,” Cory explains.

The impact of this approach became clear after a difficult customer interaction where Cory shared this value to try and turn a conversation around and failed …  at least initially. Weeks later the customer returned to apologize and share how the “Made for More” message had touched him during a challenging time. He encouraged them to embrace it and share it more.

“This experience really encouraged us to intentionally and vocally love on each person and shine some light through speaking the truth more boldly,” notes Cory. “Rather than waiting for the right moment, we want to graciously create that moment and remind people their value is one of the few free God-given gifts of life.”

Community Banking Partnership

The Paulsons’ relationship with First Federal Bank mirrors their approach to business—it’s built on personal connections and shared values. “The reason we chose First Fed is because of the people,” Cory says. His journey with the bank began with personal accounts and home loans, naturally evolving into a business relationship.

For a business that started with limited experience in the financial world, First Fed’s willingness to answer questions and provide guidance proved invaluable. “I did go in and ask question after question after question, probably way too many, and they’re always willing to answer,” Cory recalls.

Looking Forward

As Perrine Man Press continues to grow, the Paulsons remain committed to their founding principles. “We never want to lose some of the special parts that we already have,” Cory emphasizes. Their focus remains on creating quality products while fostering a culture of value and appreciation in their community.

With their dedicated team, artistic vision, and commitment to serving others, Perrine Man Press continues to prove that a local business can do more than just sell products—it can help build a stronger, more connected community, one design at a time. Through their unique blend of artistry, authenticity, and purpose, they’re showing how a small business can make a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of those around them.

Learn more about Perrine Man Press at Perrinemanpress.com