By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Every now and then, a piece of branded merch pops up that stops you mid-scroll.
The kind of swag that makes you say: “Wait—who made that?”

That’s exactly what happened when I saw Diaspora Co.’s “Hella Spicy” tote bag.

A Masterclass in Bold, Branded Merch

Diaspora Co.—the Indian spice company turning pantries into flavor playgrounds—nailed it with this one.

Their “Hella Spicy” tote is 📣 loud 📣 in all the right ways.
It’s bold. It’s joyful. It’s full Desi energy.

And before you even see the turmeric, you already understand the brand.

That’s great branded merchandise in action—it tells the story before the logo even enters the frame.

The Kind of Swag That Sells the Story

We didn’t design this one (though we wish we did), but it’s the perfect example of how thoughtful, well-designed merch can make people want to be part of a brand.

This tote does more than carry groceries—it carries identity, pride, and personality.
It’s the difference between something you’re given… and something you choose to wear.

That’s what we mean when we talk about merch with meaning—it’s not about slapping a logo on a product. It’s about creating an emotional connection.

Merch That Makes People Want In

The best custom swag sparks curiosity and builds community.
It turns customers into ambassadors—people who proudly show off your brand in the wild.

When your branded merch has that “scroll-stopping” quality, it becomes part of culture, not just marketing.

So, tell me:
Have you ever spotted merch before you even knew the brand behind it?
What did you think—and did it make you want in?