I would like to thank Josephine Bankole for making this interview possible.

Who thought t-shirts could motivate people into losing weight or spending time in the gym.

YHP had the privilege of doing a quick interview with olu Johnson, founder of the get hench or die trying brand, a company that started from the gym.

Hope you enjoy the interview

Hello Olu! Thank You for giving YHP your time. How are you today?

I’m fine thanks for asking, and thank you for having me on here.

Can you give us some brief background information about yourself?

I am 26 years old, Nigerian born and British bred(I am bi-lingual). I am a graduate of Law. I am currently a trainee lawyer and junior manager for a company in the Rail sector!

Please, start off with giving us just a little info on who you are and what you do…Where did the concept for “Get Hench” come from?

The concept for the Get Hench brand came from a training session in the gym . After a period of about 6-8 months that my friend Shayne and I had trained intensely to be unquestionably the henchest guys in our local gym, we started training some of the younger boys in the gym who asked for help. During one of the sessions, one of the youths, Tavell, said ‘I didn’t come here to die, I’m not on this get hench or die trying sh**’. Everybody laughed but me, it occured to me that that was his perception of our attitude towards training and I thought we could sell that image.

How long did it take the “Get Hench” to get up and running, how many of you running it are there and where is it currently in operation?

I’m not one for procrastinating so when I had the idea, within a week I had samples selling like hot cakes and then my problem was I needed more t-shirts to meet my demands. A month later, I had funding and we were off the ground. There are three people in charge of the brand. Somehow I ended up being the posterboy/spokesperson of the executive group.

How did you fund your business in the beginning?

Initially, I funded the business by myself. I paid for all the samples to be done recouping my costs as I went along. When I needed funding to do things on a larger scale, I went to people I knew had the type of money I was looking for.. I was quite fortunate that I only had to speak to one person. The pitch wasn’t perfect but the evidence of the potential and the enthusiasm I had were obvious and I think that helped a great deal.

When would you say, you first experienced your entrepreneurial talent?

I first experienced my entrepreneurial talent when I sold homeworks at school. It only happened a few times but I was excited that I was trading……or maybe it was that I was getting money that I could spend on sweets etc. Either way, I always seized any opportunity I had since then to make a sale.

What types of setbacks have you encountered? How would you say you deal with them?

The biggest setback I’ve encountered is other people. That includes people I’m working with(my camp) or people working with me(outsiders). No one else will be as reliable or as enthusiastic as I will about my products therefore I have learnt to anticipate non-performance of duties by others and have a backup plan.

Sometimes, it is life itself that gets in the way. Everyone does what they’re supposed to and then it snows or rains or floods or there is an outbreak of swine flu or events get cancelled or something drastic interrupts ones plans. When that happens, all you can do is mitigate your losses if you have any and have the strength of character to continue with your plan.

You recently climbed a mountain, what the motive behind it was?

I recently climbed the highest mountain in England (Scafell Pike) for Breast Cancer Research UK. The motivation for me to do it was two-fold. One, I wanted to do something for a charity and Cancer Research was the obvious choice for me because I lost my biological mother to cancer. Two, I wanted to do something unusual for me and that I would find difficult and extremely challenging. The mountain climb was it.

I had no training for it and made no preparations just because I didn’t have the time(work & everyday commitiments). It was an immense achievement for me. Conquering the mountain reboosted my belief in my ability to conquer other ‘mounatins’, some of which the Get Hench brand presents.

If you could change one thing about your business what would you change?

If I could make any changes, I cant definitely say it would be to the business itself. Perhaps maybe to contacts I’ve had/used and prices I’ve paid. (Always check to see if someone is willing to beat your current price in order to gain your custom)

Finally, what “wisdom words” do you have for young entrepreneurs of today?

‘Words of Wisdom’ – Always do what you’ve said you will do, even if it is to your inconvenience. The reason for this is that your integrity matters in business and people will judge you on it(it is a very small world and people talk). Also, don’t be afraid to ask for things(reductions in price, funding, deals, extras……whatever).

The worst a person could say is no and that does not leave you in a worse position than you were in prior to. Finally, don’t discriminate on who you sell your product to(you don’t have to like them). Every person you snub is potential profit you push away………..in addition, make every single customer feel like they are the reason you’re doing what you’re doing. You will always get repeat business.

Thanks for your time olu

No problem.

Get in touch with him on facebook

FOR MORE INFO
CLICK THIS LINK

Interview with the founder of ItsUpshot, Sebastian Thiel

Hello Sebastian, How’re you doing?

I am real good, just cre8ing as usual, working hard and staying on my hustle.

Can you quickly give us some background information about yourself?

I am 18, I was born in Zambia. I do graphic design, video editing & Creative direction work. I used to play basketball intensively, that was my life daily before I dropped out of college to start up Upshot.

Moving forward quickly, what inspired the creation of upshot?

The fall of another dream, that inspired me to create something else. I got Fed up of trying to go to the states for basketball. I initially started upshot to make money. My mission evolved once I realised what I could do with the brand, movement/family.

When was upshot born?

2007 August

I know you founded it, but how many people are involved in upshot?

2 Others are directly involved in the company in terms of ideas and so on, but there are many involved in what I call the upshot circle. The Upshot circle is put together of friends , family and talented people that support us and in return we help them in any way we can

Why start a business?

Because I am in control, I can do what I want & make my own decisions. I find it hard to work for people in jobs such as retail and so on. I have my own visions, i am too much of an individual to be trapped in the box of modern day slavery, Hence why I thought outside the box and cre8ed Upshot

How intense is the competition out there? How do you manage to stay in check?

I say, don’t watch competition. So I don’t know how intense it is… Ok let me put it like this, if you’re in a race, u waste time when you look behind yourself to see your competition, even if it’s a split second, that look can make you loose the race. I prefer to stay on my track and watch my own pace. I trust my road & I know what my mission is. People will fall off in their own time; i am going all the way with this.

Who are your target markets?

Anyone, everyone, him, her , she , we, them. Upshots Universal. Just like music. However we may appeal more to young people.

What tools do you use in promoting your business?

Online sites & flyers.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Winning the big challenge. £8000 funding. Thanks to all the supporters for voting for us.

What do you think is the top 3 things to consider before starting up any business?

* Make sure theres a gap in the market for what your offering.
* Know that everything wont be all good, there will be good times, bad times and a lot of risk taking.
* Do research and a business plan.

What advice would you say to young entrepreneurs out there trying to start up their own business?

Just do it. That’s what I did.

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

Basketball but not so much now, i dont have alot of spare time. I love events with live bands, comedy, so i reach quite a few.

What would you be doing if you didn’t start upshot?

Basketball & University – I would still be designning but on a really small scale.

If you could go back in the time machine, would you change anything?

Nope as I probably wouldn’t be the same person and i wouldnt have attracted all these events into my life. One decision can change your day from what it could have been.

Do you feel the recession is a good time to start a business?

I guess so as a lot of people are coming out of work. It’s the times of doing it yourself if that’s your kind of thing.

When should we be expecting the launch of your website?

I am in the process of getting it revamped. So i am not sure when it will be active again.

What should we be expecting from upshot in the future?

I don’t want to spoil it for you. But I promise big things in the future from Upshot and myself.

Finally, why do you feel you’ve been so successful, what’s your tactics?

I don’t think i am successful yet, no way near, upshots an underground baby. I can say to get to the stage i am at now it took hard work and a lot of strategic coincidences

FU8ERS

Sir-Bastian.

Thanks for your time.
Good luck with your business.

Contact Upshot@
http://www.itsupshot.com
http://www.myspace.com/itsupshot
http://www.myspace.com/upshot_clothing
http://www.myspace.com/bassy23

Exclusive interview with the founders of Formatic clothing

Hello, so nice to finally speak to you guys.

J: Likewise. Thanks again for featuring us on your site.

So can you please give us some background information about yourself, name, age, location.

Dan Wargo: 20 years old and I live in Rahway, NJ

Joe Geis: 22 years old and I currently live in Bloomfield, NJ.

Are you both in Formatic Clothing full time?

D: No, I wouldn’t even consider it part time. It’s more like spare time, though I’d love for
Formatic to become a full time job for me.

J: Yeah, right now we are both in college full time, with multiple part time jobs, but we would both love to see how far Formatic can really go.

What parts do you both play in the business?

D: I handle more of the business side. The accounting, ordering, shipping of online orders, and dealing with the retailers.

J: My part is more on the creative side. I handle the designing of our clothing, the design of any promotional pieces, managing of our website, photo shoots, as well as the planning of our seasonal release events.

How is it to work with family? Did you feel it was the right move to make?

D: It’s a lot easier working with a family member than with a friend or any other business partner. I feel like we can be more upfront and honest with one another about our opinions on any matter of business since we have known each other forever.

How do you both complement each other?

J: We both know our roles in Formatic, and therefore, everything runs very smoothly for the most part. Now, being a few years into this, we know what we each need to get done to make sure this company continues to run as positive and successful as it has been. Our business is continually growing, and so do our responsibilities. Since we’ve known each other our whole lives, picking up each others slack isn’t much of a problem.

How did the dream begin?

D: Joe and I were a part of the New Jersey music scene for many years. We played in the same band together for 3 years and after we broke up, we knew that we still wanted to do something creative together.

J: We were tired of seeing friends and other people in the scene falling into meaningless fashion fads, so we decided to take it upon ourselves to try and change things. At first it was just something fun and temporary, but as soon as we saw the reaction from the release of our first line of shirts, we realized that Formatic wasn’t something we wanted to be temporary.

When was Formatic clothing born?

D: The idea of Formatic formed in the Fall of 2007, which was soon followed by our first line of men’s and women’s shirts.

What are your marketing strategies?

D: Right now, with the recent success in our area, we have been doing our best to spread Formatic everywhere. We have received international orders, so it’s working. As far as marketing strategies go, I’d say that it’s the next big step that we are going to have to spend some quality time on when our summer line drops.

How difficult do you feel it is to get an investor on board?

J: We have gotten a few offers recently from people willing to invest in Formatic. We started this company with money out of our own pockets, and we have had a hard time agreeing to take money from anyone else. Eventually down the road it could well be a possibility, but right now it’s not on our list of priorities.

How do you promote your brand?

D: Right now we promote our online webstore on various message boards and websites, such as HypeBeast, AbsolutePunk and the VW Vortex. The Myspace page, Facebook group, and Street Team are also great ways for us, and for others, to help us reach our audience. Also, for every seasonal line we release, we host events with giveaways, live musical performances, food and drinks; all which have had outstanding turnouts.

How did you raise money for the business?

D: We started Formatic with extra money we had saved up from our part time jobs. Keeping every dollar that we’ve made in rotation since then has luckily left us financially comfortable.

Would you call it a family business?

J: We didn’t intend for it to be a family business, but it has definitely turned into one. We have had a few other business partners along the way which didn’t work out, so we decided it would be best for just us two to run things.
Recently we have been getting a lot of help from our friend Jill ( http://www.myspace.com/her_remedy ) as well.
We also have tons of amazing friends who are willing to lend a hand whenever they can. Way too many to name, but if you’ve ever visited the top friends on our Myspace page ( http://www.myspace.com/formaticclothing ), came to any Formatic events, or been a part of any of our seasonal photo shoots, I’m sure you’ve met them or have seen the outstanding support they supply.

Your clothes are being sold at numerous retail stores in New Jersey, how does that feel?

J: It feels amazing. Coming from an artists point of view, this has always been a humbling experience. To know that people enjoy your artwork so much that they’d spend money to wear it on their backs, is exactly why we started Formatic.
We started Formatic because we wanted to do something different. Formatic is a movement. Its an experience, and the fact that these store owners believe in what we are doing enough to showcase our clothing, really means the world. Big thanks to Dave Dowd and Cyrus for all the help. We are working out things with a few new retailers in Jersey now, so check back in soon for more information on those.

Who are your target markets?

J: Formatic is a clothing company that is dedicated to inspiring and influencing open minds. And I’d like to think that comes off when people visit our website, speak to us, or come to one of our events. Looking from the outside, I think it would be easy to say that our target market would be any young man or woman interested in skate/streetwear. But we’ve sold shirts to 65 year old men, as well as mothers buying shirts for their young children. With that being said, I’d say that Formatic’s target market is any living human-being with an open mind and who is interested in well-designed clothing with strong meaning behind it.

What is the most difficult thing in running a business?

D: Right now, our biggest problem is time. Going to school full time, as well as having jobs to pay the bills, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day.

J: There’s always something else to do, but thats the rush of it.

What are your advises to young entrepreneurs out there?

J: You never know what’s going to happen. If you have an idea, just go for it. And bust your ass doing so. As horribly cliche as it is, you’re never going to know until you try. If you want something bad enough, it’ll happen one way or another.

D: And always be careful who you trust.

A lot of young entrepreneurs are constantly looking for funding to start-up their business, what are your advises for them?

J: We know how it is to be young, broke, and full of ideas. If you want to pursue your business bad enough, find a way to make it happen; save money, borrow money, etc. If you’re starting from scratch like we did, find some people that you trust to start the business with you. Three pockets are heavier than one. Usually.

What do you both do in your spare time?

J: We are both really active and driven people. Sitting on our asses and watching TV all day has never really been an option for us, which is probably why Formatic has been doing so well. When I find some spare time it’s usually spent in the gym or putting back a few with my friends while the games on.

D: I do a lot of surfing, photography, working on my car, and hanging out with my friends.

If you had a chance to go back in time, what would you do differently?

J: When it comes to owning your own business, trust is one of the most important things. If there’s one thing I could go back and do, it would be to be more careful with who I trusted along the way. It’s really easy to get caught up in the beginning and to trust anyone who says they can better your company, but you’ve really got to be careful with your money and any other ideas or information you might have.

If you both didn’t start Formatic Clothing, what do you think you will be doing?

D: I’d probably be focusing more on my other main interest, Cinematography. Its always been something I’ve enjoyed and its what I’m studying at school. I could see myself doing more short films.

J: I’m going to school for Graphic Design, and I’m a very opinionated person, so it makes perfect sense to be a part of Formatic. If I wasn’t, I’m sure I’d be a part of something very similar.

What do you feel about anyone looking to start a business during the recession?

D: Being a smaller business without an actual location, being run primarily online, we haven’t taken that much of a hit since everything began to fall apart. I’d just tell anyone starting up a business now to be prepared not to see the gains as quick as they would hope to because not everyone is spending money like they used to.

Do you feel entrepreneurs in the USA have a better advantage or opportunity to succeed than any place in the world?

J: It really depends on the industry they are looking to get into. Sure, I think some entrepreneurs in the USA have a better opportunity to succeed than ones in other countries, but then again some countries have an advantage over the USA in other industries. No matter what industry, it really comes down to what you put in. With fashion, you’re always going to have new trends and fads popping up all over the place, but sticking to your beliefs and understanding that they are just trends will help you come out on the other side.

What should we expecting from you both in your personal and business life in the future?

D: A far as Formatic goes, definitely expect plenty of new stuff, as well as more events. We are looking into doing new things this summer, such as board shorts and bikinis, as well as planning for the fall.

J: Formatic is our brainchild. We plan on taking this as far as it can possibly go. With the amount of support we’ve been getting so far, it doesn’t make any sense not to. There’s no better feeling than seeing a kid in the mall wearing your hoodie, or having someone e-mail you pictures of them wearing your clothing in other countries. People are excited about it, we are excited about it. It’s just the beginning.

Thank you for your time and we wish you the best in the future.

–

Conatct and follow@
http://www.formaticclothing.com
http://www.myspace.com/formaticclothing

–
http://www.formaticclothing.com
http://www.twitter.com/formatic
http://www.myspace.com/formaticclothing

YHP Interviews Jimmy Pemberton, founder of JPEMB Clothing

Hello, how are you today?

I’m doing great ! Started today off with some lucky charms cereal.

When did you start JPEMB clothing?

I started JPEMB clothing in August of 2008.

The name JPEMB, Who named it?

The name is derived from the first letter of my first name and the first four letters of my last name. I had a bunch of names for the company but decided to go with JPEMB because since it was basically a made up word, I could define what it meant to people through the brand.

Can you give us a bit more information about you? And what you do?

Sure.. I’m a 24 year old professional musician/ owner of a clothing line. I truly try to enjoy what I’m doing while I’m doing it. Everyday I’m playing drums or working on something for JPEMB clothing.

What made you go into business?

I went into business basically by accident. One of my best friends would always comment girls on their footwear. So I made him a shirt that said “ I Like Girls in” and had a stiletto heel to finish the statement. I went out with my friend wearing the shirt and girls were storming him just to talk to him about his shirt and show him the heels they had on. Then of course once other guys saw the girls flocking to him they were asking him where he got the attention getting T shirt. JPEMB clothing was born!

Do you feel your age restricts you from certain things in business?

So far I would say no. I find if you present yourself as a professional you will always be treated as one.

How many employees do you have in your business? and how important is it to manage employees effectively?

At the moment I’m still doing it all on my own. But it is almost to the point where I’m going to looking for employees.

How have you coped in this competitive industry, especially during this time of economy downfall?

I’ve been lucky, people seem to really grab onto what I’m putting out there. I also take the best care of my customers possible. I always make sure they are 100% happy with the way their purchase fits.

What are your thoughts about the amount of clothing line coming out? Are you threatened?

I think it’s great that there are tons of lines coming out. I don’t feel threatened at all. I feel everyone does their own thing and it’s really cool to see what others do with the idea of a clothing line. One thing I will say it is a sad thing how much you see the bigger brands rip off some the smaller brands.

Or scared by these events?

The thought of a giant brand stealing a design is sort of scary but that’s why it is important to protect yourself legally with things such as trade marks.

What would you say to young entrepreneurs doubting their belief about starting a business?

I would say give it shot anyway see you how you like it. Worse case you can always get back to the spot you are already in.

What do you think is the most important thing to do before starting a business?

I think the most important thing you can do before you start a business is to do plenty of research along with reach out to people in the field your trying to start a business in for advice.

Who are your role model/influences?

My Friends are by far my biggest influence on JPEMB clothing. They inspire the hell out of me. All the phrases you see on shirts are in some way based on a friend or a group of friends of mine.

What influences you to continue what you’re doing?

My family and friends are very supportive so that definitely helps keep the fire going. Beyond that the idea of being my own boss and not working for someone else is very motivating.

Have you encountered any setbacks so far? How have you coped with it?

I’ve been lucky. The only set back I’ve encountered has been with not having enough money to grow JPEMB clothing as fast as I want to. I coped with it by just telling myself it was ok to grow JPEMB clothing slowly.

Do you do anything else apart from running JPEMB Clothing?

Aside from running JPEMB clothing I’m also a professional drummer/Drum instructor. Drumming has always been my first true passion and I know how lucky I am to be able to keep doing it. For info on my drum career- www.myspace.com/JIMMYPEMBERTON

What do you do in your spare time to relax?

I just like to go hang out. The most relaxing thing to me is just going out to eat with friends.

What’s next for you and the business?

The 2nd half of 2009 is truly going to be an exciting time for JPEMB clothing. Soon I will be launching 3 new designs along with a new website JPEMBCLOTHING.COM. To celebrate there will be two launch parties one in Boston and the other in New York City. I’m just going to keep having fun and see what happens!

To enquire/contact:

http://www.jpembclothing.bigcartel.com

JPEMBCLOTHING@YAHOO.COM

YHP Interviews Mrs VeeCi, the Talented Designer, the Brains and Mind behind the Upcoming and Exciting Line-VeeCi Clothing

Hello, Mrs VeeCi, like You’re called, we’re finally doing this long, awaited interview, how are you doing today?

I’m fine just tired, currently working on some new stuff.

Can you briefly give us some background information about yourself, I’m sure everyone will  want to know some information behind the great minds and design of VeeCi clothing?

My name is Florence but every1 calls me Flo or Mz VeeCi,  which was a name given to me by some  guy and i thought ohhhh i like that and been using it ever since (Laughter), i’m 22 originally from Manchester but living in Leicester now cause i go DMU.

I can see your designs are hand sewn, which i must is rare, this is “pure  talent ”, i love the whole hand sewn concept, especially “the speciallymade for you feel”, and also the exclusivity feeling.  So How when did you start sewing and how long did it take you to learn it?

Thank you,  I actually learnt how to use a sewing machine when i was in college, before that i didn’t know how to sew, when i made things i used to literally hand sew everything i even still have some stuff at home, i learnt pretty quick though,   practice makes perfec right and the technique i use, was to put pictures, logos, words basically anything onto my clothes from t-shirts to dresses which i also learnt from college, but again with alot of practice and risk taking, i taught myself to do alot more with that technique but you have to have a lot of patience.

So do you actually hand sewn all your clothes? Is it just you or do you have anyone that helps you out?

yeah i do and i had a lil help from my friend Gloria from time to time when i’m with her, but 95% of the time, i do it all myself which gets soooooooooo tiring, but the final outcomes are usually worth it, because i knew i worked hard to get that outcome.

You know what, I’m going to ask you something controversial, What do you think of these hand print line coming out, because you’re there busting your butt off sewing these clothes and you see people designing clothes so easily?

(Laughter), well, i’m not even going to lie at one point,  i was going take the lazy option of printing, but a friend Vescoe Blake advised me not to do so and that sewing makes me different, and i thought truuuuuue so i stuck with it. which i do thank him for, because that advise at that moment made me get to where i am now

That’s nice to hear, you always need good friends, especially the ones that give good advices at crucial stages in decision making.

Yes Indeed, what i think though is that all of those that print are all in the same category where as im in a category of my own , put it like this if me and someone else who prints went for the same interview i would have a advantage over them because i’ve brought something a lil different to the table, anyone can print, I’m not knocking printing though, because a lot of bigger fashion designers print but, because there are sooooooo many up and coming *clothing lines* out there you have to make yourself stand out which i have done and if your are going to print then make it different don’t just print an image or some words in the middle of a t-shirt, think outside the box and use printing differently, gosh lol a lil advise there *wink*.

(Laughter)

So where does your inspiration come from? Your business? Your designs?

Babyphat & RocaWear because casual wear is the route i want to take but also have those dresses and outfits that you could wear on a night out or on a special occasion i want to do a bit of everything.
Vivian westwood because i love her rebellious style and her use of different fabrics did you see her wedding dress on sex n the city movie , beautiful but different

Sorry, Not a sex n the city fan, i think i watched half an episode though, i think so…

Teddybear club because in my opinion they are on top of the up and coming clothing line game because they have a proppa business going and that’s something to look at and take note from, also p.diddy, straight up business man who should be an inspiration to all (Laughter) i love him

Umm, I’m going to keep my mouth shut.
I love patterned fabrics there my main inspiration for my designs i went to one shop  and ended up coming out with most of the fabrics in there(Laughter) and that is what VeeCi will be known for the mix and use of funky patterned material.

Nice Nice..

What are your best qualities and weakness?

i would say that my best quality is that i’m kind & caring but at the same time it’s a weakness if that makes sense?? because some people take advantage of that.

What made you start a business?

Ive been about since last year summer but i’ve started to take it alot more seriously now

When was VeeCi clothing born?

The 1st I.Y.I fashion show (Inspiring your imagination fashion show) which was in January 08 which was just a line of t-shirts

What fabrics do you mostly deal with?

anything with patterns
anything funky

Describe your collection in ten words?

Funky
Fresh
Emotional
Unique
Loud
Wearable
likable
adaptable
Visual Creativity

Do you make your collection to season?

not at all, well it kinda influences the colors i use sometimes

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

You have to put your foot down in many situations especially in this kinda business or people will take the piss and also it is hardddddd (Laughter) i thought ok make clothes, sell and whatever,  but its not an easy business you have to work hard to get out there, then to be No.1,  even harddddder to stay there.

Who are your competitors?

I don’t think anyone is and i don’t mean that in a bigheaded way (Laughter), until i find another designer who’s similar to me and hand sews then i’ll say wow ok i have some competition here, and not only that but i think most clothing lines actually support eachother even though we’re all in the same boat as most of us/them are friends.

How did you raise money for your business?

By working and money i make from selling stuff.

How do you promote your brand? And how effective has it been?

Really at the moment just facebook and other peoples who have helped by sending outmessages via there facebook groups and word of mouth.

Cool.

Who are your target market?

Right now 15-25/30
but i’m considering going lower than 15 because someone asked me if i do kids wear because she wanted something for her son, so that made me think.

How many hours do you spend on your clothes daily?

wow it depends, there’s been a few times were i’ve pulled all nighters doing stuff
and other times where i’ve spent a lot less time,  it varies and really depends on orders,  i know one time i made like 7 t-shirts in like 4 hours.

Four hours on 7 t-shirt, I guess it is just easy on the eye, but the hard work is a lot, keep working hard(Laughter)

Do you have any favorite young entrepreneur out there at the moment?

Teddy Bear Club as i mentioned before, A friend called ADE he’s so business minded, his future is bright i could see him on The Apprentice and actually winning, another friend called Kayode who’s starting a company called Aim2Gain which does alot of things in one and Double M Productions, there are  a lot and are doing a lot, that’s  someone else i think are going to go so far,  i think you should interview them next (Laughter).

Definitely, will do.

Do you read any books that you would to recommend to all the entrepreneurs out there?

i don’t even knwo you know,(Laughter)  i do read a lot of fashion mags though.

So what do you do for fun?

lazying around with my girls, i did go raving a lot but i’m trying to stop now, the raving scene is becoming same old, smae old, just jamming really and catching jokes, cooking food i’m a great cook (Laughter) and just doing my clothing.

That’s nice, what a way to balance everything out, Maybe you can help me with some cooking tips.

So what are your advices to young entrepreneurs trying to start up their own business?

You don’t get anywhere without Passion, Determination and talent.
if you’ve got the talent never give up.

Great advice, these are some vital ingredients that makes up an entrepreneur success.

What is the one best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t give up! because there has been times when i’ve thought this is too much, but because  i’m so passionate about being a fashion designer,  because i’ve wanted to do this from a very young age so when things move slowly at times you just think, is there a point, but friends that know me advice me to just keep doing it, hard work pays off and God will bless you when the time is right.

What Do you like/dislike the most about having a business?

i like well love seeing people wearing my clothes i get so excited its sad(Laughter of excitement) i just over smile because that’s when you know your doing something good, when your randomly go out and see that someone chose to wear your clothes that day or to that rave

I dislike the fact people expect freebies especially those that know me, if i’m always giving away freebies i wont make any money.

What is your favorite quote?

Everything Happens For A Reason

Have you ever encountered any setbacks? How did you overcome it?

Yes at first,  it was money, but then i did the obvious and got a job (Laughter) at the moment i’m looking for a better paid job though or another job.

Good luck on your job hunt.

How has the journey been so far?

Up’s and downs but i guess everything can’t just run smoothly.
Up’s and downs makes you appreciate things even more when things start running smoothly.

How is it, Combining business and university?

We had a long discussion about this already joe (Laughter),

O yeah(Laughter), i just kind of wanted an update you know.

so far i’ve not really clashed because i am currently on a year out

Do you have any plans (personal or business) that you can share with us about your future plans?

I want to get into the shops, FootLocker is my no.1,  it’s footlocker that got me into t-shirt design.  i’ve been interested in t-shirt design for ages, i used to buy t-shirts from there religiously so to see my stuff in there would mean a lot.

My plans are just to promote and work harder get into more fashion shows uni 1′s and out of uni ones,  London Fashion Week would be a serious achievement!! and just try and sell more,  save a lot of money so i can buy more stuff in bulk regarding materials and plane t’s/hoodies/jumpers and so on…To  also get a website put together and get into shops and move a lot more on my shoes,  so far i can only do basic stuff but once i get the right links i can put my bigger ideas into production.

Yes, Florence, I wish you luck in the business, i do hope you get the right links and partnerships necessary to take your company to the next level because i feel you have a good thing going on there.

Thanks

Don’t forget to leave comments and feedbacks on the interview. thanks.

Contact florence@
Miss_flo_2006@yahoo.co.uk
http://veeci.blogspot.com
http://www.veeci.bigcartel.com

Reynoir Clothing was formed not with the idea of bringing one style or one persons ideas about into the world. We believe that style is in the eye of wearer and therefore we strive to combine our own ideas with the ideas of the public to constantly bring you a new styles or old styles with a new swagger with every design.

Hello, how are you doing?

I’m great, I woke up this morning so I can’t complain about anything else

Can you give us brief background information about yourself, what’s your name? How old are you? Where are you from?

My name is Reynoir Lewis, everyone calls me Renny or DJ Scoop, I’m 22 years old, I was born in Los Angeles, and grew up in New York/New Jersey

When was Reynoir Clothing born?

Reynoir Clothing was born unofficially when I was a little kid because I loved to draw and paint. It was officially registered as a New Jersey state business in 2006, when I started hand painting original clothing for people in my college.

What is Reynoir Clothing about?

Reynoir is about transforming common and mundane clothing into something unique and extravagant.

At what age did you get into fashion?

I got into fashion when I was 12 or 13 because I liked putting my own artwork on my t-shirts or hoodies to wear for myself, then people started to like what I was doing and it grew from there.

What makes your designs unique?

My designs are unique because they are not copied from someone else, they are not stolen, and they have not already been made and just tweaked to fit what I want. I sit down and I make paintings or digital artworks or take photos and from those creations I develop the theme for an outfit or the basis of my collections.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from the world around me. Anything or anyone I come in contact with can be a possible inspiration from something they may say or the way something may look. I am also inspired by classic Asian artwork because of the unique color palettes and ever changing ideals hidden inside of the art.

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

My clothing is relevant in today’s society because I cover a wide range from urban and casual wear to suits and
dresses so there is something for everyone here. Today’s society is always changing and more people are realizing that they want to be leaders and not followers so they are looking for something original that can help them separate from the followers and that is wear my clothing comes into play always changing.

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

No because everything I have been through has made me who I am so if I go back and change something I would essentially be changing myself.

How did you raise money for your business?

I have been djing since I was 11 so that was the foundation of my money support. I am also a graphic designer which brought in more money to help support my business.

Who are your competitors? (Customer profile)

I don’t have competitors because my clothing is original. Having competitors means you’re doing the same thing someone else is doing. I’m a leader not a follower.

Who are your target markets?

My target market is anyone and everyone who just likes to wear my clothing because they feel they look good in it.

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

Outside of word of mouth, our website (www.Reynoir.com) and having a team that handles face to face conferences, we are on facebook – renny djscoop lewis, myspace.com/reynoirclothing, twitter.com/therealdjscoop, www.thebfboys.com, www.youtube.com/reynoirjr

What fabrics do you mostly deal with?

I love to use cottons because I can paint on them very easily, but I also use a lot of suede and silk.

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

If you want to get something done, do it yourself and the only person you can truly trust is yourself so never doubt your own gut feeling to do or not to do something.

Who is your role model/influence?

My role model/influence would have to be Jamie Foxx & Julien Beever. Jamie Foxx because his style is very simple yet always sharp, crisp and unique. Julian Beever is one of the world’s leading 3D chalk artists and his artwork shows me that the simplest things in life go a long way i.e. he makes millions off of chalk drawings!!!

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Just enjoying and being able to live off of the things I do and not have to do anything else.

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

Hold your ground, be patient and do what you feel is right, be a leader and be original, if you perfect one thing and do it well then it matters not how many other things the next person can do because you will always be able to do what you do better than them.

So what do you feel your success so far has been based on?

Hard work, endless nights of working and true love for what I do.

So what’s next for Reynoir Clothing?

Working on collaboration with Evolved-Footwear.com right now and coming to stores near you very soon.

Thank you for yout time and good luck
http://www.Reynoir.com

I really Dig their new layout, The blog feel is really nice, updating their customers and constantly updating them with information seems like the new thing.

Let me know what you think
Check them out:
http://www.f2dcollection.com/wp/

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

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!

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