Hypno Blog #14 -- The Link Up X The Stockton Kings

A Day in the Life: Pop-Up at Stockton Kings Arena

What’s up everyone?! Welcome back to a day in the life of a small business owner with Hypnotik Bay Area (that’s H-Y-P-N-O-T-I-K Bay Area).

This time, I’m taking you along for our experience at Link Up hosted at the Stockton Kings Arena—and let me tell you, it started early.

The Journey In

I made the drive from Marin County, just outside San Francisco, which meant about an hour and a half on the road. The event ran from 1 PM to 5 PM—shorter than last year, but still packed with energy.

Then came the tower.

Picture a stack of containers filled with shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks—hopefully OSHA-certified. Chairs bungeed to the sides, a separate wagon, and me navigating it all like a one-man moving company. It was… a process. Shoutout to the kind folks who helped me haul everything in.

Security was smooth—until my tower turned out to be two containers too tall. That meant breaking it down and making a few (okay, more than a few) extra trips through the corridor.

Booth Setup & Presentation

Once inside, it was time to build the booth. Setting up the racks, tables, and overall presentation is always a journey—but it matters. A lot.

We went all out with our latest streetwear collection, showcasing bold graphics, unique patterns, and exclusive in-person drops. We had 295 shirts on the rack, plus 40 crewnecks and hoodies. No shortcuts over here. And if you’re shopping plus sizes—you already know, I’ve got you covered.

Handmade, Start to Finish

In case we haven’t met yet—my name’s François, Creative Director of Hypnotik Bay Area. I design and manufacture every collection by hand, locally in Marin County.

I create the artwork.
I print the garments.
I tie-dye and bleach them myself.

No two shirts are exactly the same. That slight variation is what gives each piece its one-of-a-kind, handmade feel. You can always feel confident knowing your shirt is locally produced and truly unique.

If you want to see the limited collection we sell exclusively in person, check out the Limited Edition section on our website. We’ve also added mugs to the lineup—new and very fun.

The Best Part: Community

Meeting all of you in person was the highlight. Sharing stories, getting feedback, and connecting with fellow streetwear and sneaker lovers—that’s what it’s all about. The energy was real.

The Stockton Kings Arena made the perfect backdrop for a fashion-forward event like this. High vibes, nonstop creativity, and a crowd that truly appreciates the culture.

Huge shoutout to everyone who stopped by, copped some gear, and vibed with us. Your support means everything. And major props to the venue for hosting such an epic event—we’re already counting down to the next one.

If you haven’t already, hit that follow button, stay tuned for exclusive drops, and join the Hypnotik family.

Until next time.