Dinz is a t-shirt brand that the 2 Zahran sisters started off together. There are some accessories but the main focus is different types of t-shirts for Ladies, Men and babies. Most of the things are hand made and have a contrast between the glamorous look and the street look; and that’s where the entire “Ghettofabulous” comes from.

DINZ IS NOW AVAILABLE AT:

-Harvey Nichols, MoE
-Fivegreen, rd. Oud Metha
-50DegreesC, Souk Al Bahar, Burj Dubai
-Ounass, Marina Mall AD
-Ounass, Madinat Jumeira
-Ounass, Emirates Towers
-Ounass,Wafi
-Ounass Bahrain
-Aishti, Lebanon
-Cream, Lebanon
-Aizone,Jordan, City Mall
-Aizone, Syria
-Aizone, Bahrain
-Salam Studio, Doha, Qatar
-Spoiled Brat, Glasgow UK
-I LOVE HISHMA-Jeddah,Saudi
-007- Marbella, Spain
-Eye Candy- Muscat, Oman
-Soho – Cairo, Egypt
-Beymen – Cairo, Egypt

How are you both today?

Great! 

Before we proceed – can you give us a little background information about yourself – your names? Where you live? How old you are?

Rima is 25, Dina 21 we’re sisters. Both born and raised in Marbella, Spain but originally Palestinian and now living in Dubai. We both love and live for fashion but have different styles and attitudes.

Who came up with the name Dinz and what does it stand for?

Dina did. Dina originally started Dinz as a hobby and then when we teamed up is when we took it seriously and professionally. It stands for Dina and Zahran, our family name; together.

When did you start?

We started in 2007

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From the rich Arab culture usually. We try to have Arab influences in a Western style. But inspiration really comes from anywhere and at anytime. The best pieces we have made have been inspired while on holiday doing something random.

Why Fashion?

Fashion is our blood since we were children. We love it, it is what we know best. And this for us is a dream come true. Also our grandmother, great grandmother and so on were all amazing tailors.

What makes your designs unique?

They have a very cosmopolitan feel. They are a mix or Arab meets west. Sort of what Dubai is. They also have small details that you will only notice if you have one of our pieces.

Would you have done anything differently, if you could go back in time?

No nothing!

How did you raise money for your business?

Well that is a long story. Basically the plan was to invest most of our personal savings into the brand. After all the work, time and effort came the day to make the payment. When our father saw how serious we were and dedicated, he actually made the payment for us. Bless him. He always teases us until this day, that he has “shares” in our company.

Who are your competitors? (Customer profile)

We don’t really have a competitor at the moment, usually that’s great but other times, a competitor might be good thing. We were the first to do detailed Arabic scarves, and are the first Arab designers to make jeans. We do have lots of copycats though, that we find out about through our customers or friends.
Most Arab designers are more couture designers, that’s probably why we don’t have competitors just yet. And we are not quiet there yet to compete with international big designers, hopefully one day.

Who are your target markets?

Daring, hip fashion lovers with great energy. People who wear clothes in their own style, and don’t make clothes wear them.

What are your advertising strategies? (Do you use any social networking sites to promote your brand).

We rely fully on word of mouth as that is proven to be the most powerful strategy as well as the most real. Facebook is another great way to get to word of mouth.

How difficult, do you feel it is to break into the fashion industry?

EXTREAMELY!
It is not only difficult at first as most people think. It is difficult throughout every collection. Even if you are there, maintaining that position and to keep going up is a constant challenge. One has to be fully dedicated and have great passion.

You know i feel it is so difficult for family members or friends to work together, you girls are sisters!! How does that work?

Its true it is very difficult and if we were working with one of our friends or even a brother it would be a constant challenge but somehow we have no problems what so ever. We work together great and have great chemistry. We have very different styles and attitudes to life as well as to fashion so we use that to our benefit. We also don’t take life or ourselves too seriously and I think that helps. It is usually when people start to take themselves too seriously that problems happen.

What fabrics do you mostly deal with?

Mostly cotton since we are a t-shirts company, however we are doing jeans now and so it’s a whole different story and different sort of cottons there.

Describe your collection in ten words?

Loud, daring, energetic, seductive, conservative, powerful, confident, fun, easygoing and stylish.

Do you make your collection to season?

Yes we do, we sometimes also have limited editions in between.

I mean it must be intense, you girls must be really busy, and how do you do it?

Yes we are, it sometimes gets very crazy, and especially the week before a collection goes into production. We do have a great team though, they help us a lot. But we are involved in every single aspect and do work at least 10-11 hours a day and six days a week. Sometimes even seven, since the weekend here is different than most of the other world.

What was the most important lesson you have learnt so far?

To never give up on something you believe in.

Who are your role models/influences?

Our mother. She is a true fashionista and has influenced us since the day we were born with her style. Daring yet very classy.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Dinz jeans. It is something that was a dream. We worked on it for 18months. It is extremely difficult to get the perfect fitting jeans but all that hard work has paid off.

What do you do in your spare time? Any Hobbies?

We both love to travel, and of course shop. We shop a lot together and with our mother. Dina loves to go out with friends, parties etc. Rima loves to paint and spend time with her Husband and family.

What are your advices for Aspiring young entrepreneurs looking to break in the Fashion industry or other industries?

Not to ever give up, as long as you have passion and good fresh ideas you will eventually get there. Just don’t try to copy another designer, do your own thing.

So what’s next for Dinz Clothing?

To hit the US market.

So finally, before I leave you, I need to ask for your secret, come on, why have you been so successful, what’s your secret weapon?

Positive energy! We avoid people and places with negative energy and are always around ones with great energy and a positive attitude to live. 

Thank you
Till next time.

http://www.dinzclothing.com

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.

Og Mandino

Thandie Olivia, Exclusive designer label, comprising up to date trends with the designer’s unique signature style in luxurious fabrics.

We Interview the founder of Thandie Olivia.

How are you doing today?

Really good thanks, busy as usual but can’t complain as it’s all positive.

So what’s the concept behind your brand?

My clothes are first foremost made to make the wearer look and feel good, the brand is all about luxury and quality combined with a modern edge and my own signature style.

Can you give us more information about yourself, your name, your age, where are you from?

My full name is Thandie Olivia Fazakerley, which is a bit of a mouthful hence why I dropped the surname when naming my label. I’m 24, fast approaching a quarter of a century old, and I’ve lived in London since the age of 3 so would pretty much class myself as a Londoner inside and out!

What inspired you to go into business?

I’ve been designing since I started secondary school and it was only natural for me to go on to study Fashion Design at College. After completing my diploma I then got caught up in the rat race and last year decided to bite the bullet and quit full time work to set up my own label. I always knew I would have my own label and felt that I was personally ready to take on the challenge not to mention the incentives of having complete job satisfaction and financial independence. I’m now happier doing what I love to do on a daily basis and it can only get better as the company grows!

Did you feel any pressure starting a business, or any pressure in succeeding?

I had the benefit of taking part in a couple of smaller scale fashion shows before I officially launched my label and so from the positive response felt quite confident about setting up the business. The main pressure in any business is establishing an efficient cashflow and nearly a year in I’m well on my way there. The other pressure in my industry is the amount of competition out there both from other emerging and established designers. With that all I need to do is keep my collections fresh and innovative and that will ensure I stand out from the rest.

Do you think your line is effective?

Yes I do, I combine classic shapes and cuts with my own style and what I do create is unique yet wearable.

What makes your clothing line relevant to today’s society?

In these times of fast throw away fashion I feel my customer still appreciates quality timeless pieces, probably even more so with the current economic climate as it’s something they can invest in rather than only wear a couple of times. Alot more people are also tapping into their own individual style and are looking for exclusive pieces as opposed to the commercial and that’s exactly what Thandie Olivia provides.

What’s the most unique thing about your line, so much people doing what you’re doing, what will make me buy your designs?

Well when I design I not only look to create something different and unusual but something that is also wearable. This coupled with the quality of fabrics and craftmanship will hopefully have the customers not only buying once but returning too!

Have you done any shows, how have they been? The cost, the planning, did you have a budget, and did you go over your budget?

I have done two main shows, one of which I organised on my own. I must admit it was alot of hard work alongside designing and making the collection but entirely satisfying once the models went out. I did have a small budget for that show but managed to call in some favours from people I’ve known for a long time or had met through networking so didn’t go over budget. Call me crazy but I’m actually in the planning stages of organising another showcase at the moment which will include 3 or 4 other designers as well as myself. I guess the more work you put into something the more satisfaction you get from it when it comes together succesfully.

How did you make your profit, did you lose more than you made?

I currently make everything to order so I don’t tend to lose money, the largest expense when putting a collection together is getting the samples made. But that’s all costed in as overheads so gets covered once the orders start to come in.

Which show has been the most successful so far and why?

The last show I did in February 2009 was really great for me. It was entirely organised by a company called La Geneve North which left me with the time to really just focus on the collection and getting it right. There were also alot of industry figures there such as buyers and press and so my outfits were seen by the right people. I’ve had alot of queries and subsequent orders from that show and met alot of good contacts, so it was extremely beneficial.

How did you raise money for your business?

I had some savings which came from the 9 to 5 job which I initially injected into the company. From then on in I’ve just re-invested anything I make from the company back into it. I’m now talking with possible investors though as it is time to take the business to the next level and a lump sum is required for that. It’s all good though as I have some very interested parties and things will be taking off sooner rather than later which is all very exciting.

Who are your competitors? (Customer profile)

I tend to see alot of the same emerging designers on the circuit at fashion shows and events I’m taking part in and on some level I guess the they are competitors but I’m all about placing my label alongside the bigger boutique and independent designer brands. Labels such as Arrogant Cats who are really doing their thing right now, and brands in the independent designers section on Asos are my main competition.

Who are your target markets?

Mainly women aged 18-35 who love fashion and appreciate quality and style, who shop at exclusive independent boutiques and higher end high street dept stores. My customer is also into socialising and looking fab whilst doing so, so ladies in the entertainment and party scenes, not to mention in and around the fashion industry.

What is your advertising strategy? (Do you use any social networking sites to promote your brand)?

Yes I love social networking sites, I think they’re not only a way to promote the brand but they also allow the customer to get a personal insight into myself as a designer. I’m on facebook and have a group http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=12195917573 , feel free to join! I’m also on fashionspace.com, nineteen74.com, modelmayhem.com and myspace.com/thandieolivia. Its all about getting your brand out there and seen by as many people as possible so the key is to network, network, network! I’m also always getting involved with various fashion showcases and exhibitions to get the label seen by different crowds and as the brand grows we will be investing in some online and print advertising too.

What does your range consist of?

I don’t limit myself when designing, I just run with a theme and let it come together over a period of time so you’ll see everything from tops, trousers, skirts and dresses in my collections. One of my fav pieces of the moment is the jumpsuit or all in one as some may call it. I think they look so chic, I’ve included them in my last two collections and you’ll definately be seeing a few more in the Autumn/Winter 09/10 collection. I also tend to have alot of dresses in the collections. The plan though is branch out into more casual wear with a diffusion line of denim and printed tees, and menswear too (I always get guys asking ‘when are you going to hook up the fellas’ lol) so watch this space!!

What fabrics do you mostly deal with?

I love, love, love, silks and alot of my stuff is 100% silk or has silk trims. It’s just exudes luxury even in the most simplest form. Other than that I like to stay with natural materials such as cotton and silk, the long term goal is to eventually use all organic and sustainable fabrics which are not only more comfortable and luxurious but also environmentally friendly. We’ve all got to do our bit you know?!

What do you like most about having your own business?

Definately just having control over my life and future, I now plan my own schedule and once the business is thriving I’ll be completely financially and time independent. It’s now all up to me and I’ll get out of it what I put in instead of grafting hard to make someone else money!

What has been the important lesson you have learnt so far?

Definately to be organised, time management is the key…….. well as managed as possible as in fashion everything tends to go right down to the wire and you can sometimes be ironing out last minute complications the night before a catwalk show. Although I do sometimes work better when under pressure it’s nice when a collection comes together with time to spare.

When should we be expecting the launch of your website?

The website has been a long time coming as I am really fussy about the finished look. Alot of designers don’t think about brand image and I think that alot of the time a bad website is alot worse than no website. It will definately be finished by the end of May, in the meantime people can also check me out on the sites mentioned above or email enquiries@thandieolivia.com for general enquiries or to be added to the mailing list.

Describe your collection in ten words?

For sassy and fabulous fashionistas who love the finer things!

Do you have any role models/influences?

My first role model was Vivienne Westwood, I based two of my college projects on her and she remains one of my favourite designers. Her and Coco Chanel are a huge inspiration to me as they were so influential in changing the way women dressed. My family, especially my brothers motivate and push me to the best I can constantly be  and it’s nice to have them as a support system. In general life though I admire anyone who has a dream and motivates themselves to go for it.

What are your advices for Aspiring young entrepreneurs looking to break in the Online Business (Websites) or other industries?

Research is the key! There’s a huge and more importantly free resource at everyone’s disposal in the internet and there are a lot of websites out there aimed at young entrepreneurs and setting up business. Market research is very important as you need to not only have a great idea but also need to know that it will sell and make money for you, especially if you’re looking to approach an investor. I’m also a big believer in learning success from the successful, look at other’s who have excelled in your chosen field, read their biographies and find out how they made it happen. Most of all you need to really believe in what you are doing, if you don’t then no one else will!!

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

I’m really proud of both of my collections so far, and feel I have achieved great things from beginning to finish as I’m constantly taking steps into bigger and better things. It’s taken nothing but hard work and sheer determination, everything I’ve done solely on my own and as cliche as it sounds it truly has been blood, sweat and tears all the way! Saying that, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What should we be expecting from you in the future?

I’m really excited about exhibiting and retailing the label at the Clothes Show London which runs from 29th to 31st May 2009 at Excel London. Thandie Olivia will be showcased in the ‘Untold Boutique’ area, alongside some long established and well known labels and it will be a great opportunity to get my label’s name out there to the masses whilst also hopefully making some solid sales. As I also mentioned earlier I’m also planning my own fashion showcase to be held later this year, where I’ll be unveiling the Autumn/Winter collection, it will be a big event so sign up to mailing list, join my groups…………….and watch this space for more information.

Thanks for your time.

No probs, it was my pleasure, thank you for having me!

Don’t forget to leave your thoughts/views/comments on the interviews

For immediate release – 21^st May 2009

Thandie Olivia to showcase at the Clothes Show London

‘In 1989 Clothes Show Live opened in London and attracted so many visitors that mounted police were called in to manage the crowds. Since then the show has been thriving in Birmingham and has become the largest fashion and beauty event in the World. 20 years on and Clothes Show Live is set to return to London in 2009!

From the 29th – 31st May 2009 the ExCeL, London will be transformed into a fashion and beauty haven hosting an outstanding selection of high street, designer and boutique brands as well as a unique selection of hair and beauty products to preen visitors in their thousands.’

This is just what London has been waiting 20 years for, the largest fashion and beauty event is coming to the capital and emerging independent fashion label Thandie Olivia will be showcasing at the Untold London Boutique! www.clothesshowlondon.com

Untold, now in it’s fourth season, arrives at this landmark event and will provide the opportunity for some of the best and talented designers within London and the UK to showcase and sell their work for the first time. With an expected footfall of 50,000 visitors Untold invites you to ‘Sit back and watch as the story is Told.’

Showcasing and retailing pieces from the stunning Spring/Summer 09 ‘Cocktails & Candy’ collection as well as past sample collections and some exclusive never before seen pieces, Thandie Olivia will be joined by fabulous handmade jewellery brand ‘Opal Orchid Black’.

Come and see us at the Untold London Boutique, situated next to the Kit Kat senses area – Stand 36.8

Contact Thandie Fazakerley at enquiries@thandieolivia.com

www.thandieolivia.com

Vision with action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.
Japanese Proverb

First of all, ITS FREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Secondly, I am going to be there.

A FREE event with over 200 speakers, entrepreneurs and exhibitors
This is the opportunity for anyone starting or expanding a business

A free one-stop-shop of services, advice and guidance for anyone starting a business or expanding an existing business.

Bringing together business’s brightest and best under one roof at the UK’s biggest business start up exhibition.

May 28TH/29th of may at Excel in London, 10:00 – 17:00

For free tickets call 0800 043 1027 or visit www.bstartup.com

What can i say?? It was really inspirational, so if you missed out..Don’t know what to say.

Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.
Dale Carnegie

Iceberg Media is a fresh, growing team established in 2008, specialising in services tailor-made for the entertainments industry.

We can provide a number of different services to help your promotions/events, from design and print to marketing and management.

- Video editing (Flyer & promo video package)
- Flyers (design & Print)
- Posters (design & Print)
- Business cards
- Company branding designs
- Event branding designs
- Logos
- Etc

Hello, how are you doing?

I’m doing very well thanks, working hard as always!

So what’s the concept behind your brand?

The concept behind the brand was to create a new dynamic company that specialises not only in design work, but also many other specialist services for the events and entertainment industry.

Can you give us more information about yourself, your name, your age, where are you from?

My name is Joey Addai, I’m 22 years old. I grew up in North West London, in the borough of Brent and have been in this community all my life. I believe in hard work and determination and always striving to be the best in what I do.

What inspired you to go into business?

I believed that,  I have a talent for management,  and an eye for quality and detail.

The way I see it is that if you’re good at something develop it, push it and allow others to enjoy it.I in a sense live eat and breathe the world of entertainment and events,  and I had a dream to create something I can call my own,  that would cater for all the services an entertainments company or promoter may want. Almost like your one stop shop for your entertainment needs. And thus Iceberg Media was born.

Did you feel any pressure starting a business, or any pressure in succeeding?

I think I work at my best when I’m under pressure,  because I use it as a driving force to pull out the best in my work. If you work hard at something like starting a business going to all lengths and angles to understand how to make it work, I believe it will succeed. To eliminate that anxiety of running a business or succeeding, know your market, know your competitors and know them well.

What’s the most unique thing about your business, so much people doing what you’re doing, what will make me use your services?

Reliability and quality. I believe in working very closely with my clients and developing my products to the highest grade. If your client can rely on you to deliver to meet their needs, that’s how you develop a long standing business relationship, and in turn will mean further business because they know you can deliver. The key words I use in running my business with my staff are deliver, deliver, deliver!

How did you raise money for your business?

While I was studying at the university,  I was working with this vision in mind and slowly started to save money to obtain the materials and resources which have now made this business work.

Who are your competitors? (Customer profile)

I cannot think of another company that offers the same spectrum of services as Iceberg Media.

Who are your target markets?

Our business is mostly aimed at promoters, events managers, live event producers, concert organisers, radios stations, universities and corporate media organisations. Basically anyone within the entertainments industry, in whatever shape or form.

What is your advertising strategy? (Do you use any social networking sites to promote your brand)?

Yes we do use social networking sites such as facebook, because our client base use it heavily as a source of advertising to their consumer; we therefore tap into this and advertise our services to them to help their marketing strategies. We always use our logo on work we have produced to let people know we designed it, which generates a lot of extra business – flyers in particular are effectively mini-adverts for us.

What does your range consist of?

Our company offers a range of services including flyer design, flyer print, branding, identity & logo work, voice adverts, jingles, radio promos, video promos, & events management. We are also looking to launch our web design service very soon as well as our artist agency so look out for that one.

What do you like most about having your own business?

The best thing about running your own business is that there is no limit to how creative you can be – you set the boundaries, and you set the bench marks. I will always work with a passion to develop something I can call my own, never having to wait for anyone or answer to anyone. I am responsible for my own mistakes and in turn my own achievements.

What has been the important lesson you have learnt so far?

Proper planning prevents poor performance. Always plan what your going to do and how you’re going to do it so you can deliver your services on time and to your clients’ wants and needs.

Describe your business in ten words?

A creative, dynamic, efficient & reliable growing organisation servicing entertainments.

Do you have any role models/influences?

Richard Branson has always been a key role model proving that you can diversify your business to many fields and still be successful. I have also have to say Peter Jones as he worked hard to build a business, made millions then lost it all, started again and made it all back ten fold. It shows that if you’re dedicated you can make it. Even if you fall down, get back up because you will still get there. He officially wasn’t a millionaire once but twice.

What do you do to relax yourself?

To relax I like to take short breaks away and travel when I can. Aside from that I do enjoy the occasional run every now and again.

What are your advices for Aspiring young entrepreneurs looking to break in the
Online Business (Websites) or other industries?

I’ll say to them the same thing I say to everyone. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it – work hard and be determined to get there. Never aim for the top of the tree, aim for the stars, because even if you miss, you will always land on a cloud. Online business and entertainments is one of the fastest growing industries in the world; find your mark, know it well, just keep working at it and it will work for you. You have to enjoy what you do regardless of what it is, whether media, banking or entertainment because if you don’t,  it never works.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Every time we work with a client,  to help them create a successful event or event brand, I see it as an achievement. We have already helped a lot of people build brands that have great futures because of our input.

What should be expecting from you in the future?

All I can say is expect big things! If my vision continues,  Iceberg Media will become a house hold name for the entertainment industry. Even as far as creating, managing and executing our own live events and concerts. So as they say, watch this space…

Thanks for your time.

It’s been a pleasure!

All great achievements require time.
Maya Angelou