Posts Tagged ‘boutiques’
It’s Not the Coffee, It’s the Milk! The Power of Preparation…
It’s not the coffee…it’s the milk! During a recent ‘sales call’ the buyer made that statement. He had talked to sales people all day and by the time I arrived…number 5 on his calendar…he was in the zone. What he wanted was the ‘elevator pitch’ which would determine if he would invest another minute of his time. The story has a happy ending but it does make you think about the time invested in preparing for the sales call.
Here are a few things to consider;
1) Do you have an elevator pitch?
2) Does it take you more than 30 seconds to describe your product or service?
3) Can you articulate the benefits and features from the buyer’s perspective quickly?
Everyone is selling something, whether you fancy yourself as a sells person or not. At the very least you are selling yourself each and every day. Buyers can spot a sales person a mile away and most people would rather have a root canal than deal with a sales person.
That being said, nothing happens until a sale is made.
I was grateful for the question because it told me exactly where he was in his day. He was tired of hearing the same old sales pitch. So I started at the end and worked my way to the beginning and got the order!
Interview: Colombian Designer Janey Cochet for Amazonia Zoe
Company/Designer Name: Amazonia Zoe/Janey Cochet
(Amazonia = our source is the amazon rain forest) Zoe = Respect for the last indigenous tribe discovered in Brazil recently called tribe Zoe. Zoe also means something small = Small Brand
The brand also promote amazon forest, showing to the world what we have in Amazon forest and people abroad don’t know, for instance, nowadays we have international surf competition in Amazon river
Amazonia Zoe natural fashion is a sort of interaction fashion and nature. “La Conscience”
Why did you join Noblivity®?
Noblivity contacted us and made their proposal. We saw it as an awesome opportunity. Joining Noblivity is like taking part in a community, a route that we believe is good for our business, a help that can guarantee a better deal for our small brands.
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I started making prints for summer clothing in name of “Amazon rain forest”. I started to approaching the maximum from nature itself. I just love searching and creating fashion, dressing and accessorizing. I really have fun playing with those issues. Amazonia Zoe brand was a consequence of it.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
Amazonia Zoe style is hippie, zen, Boho Chic, from time to time urban. The products are destined to conscious clients, who wan to wear something unusual, fashion and ecological.
What inspires you?
“Amazon rain forest “ and the Brazilian urban life style
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Get to know the Amazon source and learn how to choose element for nature was a challenge. For each collection I have to spend some days into the forest until gets my inspiration. Today the Brazilian Amazon forest is my second home, they are our collection source. I needed to learn to use it in a responsible way. Building up projects with the local community also was an obstacle, they need to participate in an active way, they are also responsible for Amazonia Zoe collection.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Experience and time helped a lot, or should I say the other way around?
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Recognition. It really great when a positive feedback from fashion magazine. Here in France when the topic is: fashion and nature or when nature comes into fashion, Amazonia Zoe is always invited. Its really amazing
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
We always approached from nature, so “natural fashion” is our slogan. we cant change otherwise It wont reflects our work. I think we are not ready to change, time will lead us.
What’s next for your brand?
We work only with summer clothing, so we are still working on it, but I may say that “Crochet” is a sort of art that is disappearing in Brazil. So we decided to give to the “artisans” our support and create clothing with crochet, in organic cotton.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
Publicity, marketing and a fashion parade
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
Sometimes size may be a problem. Size in Brazil are still limited 36- 40. USA grade: 0 – 10 . Sometimes clients asks for size 14,16 and it embarrassed me as we are not ready to create something at that size.
Why not? I may say that we create summer clothing to sell into the Brazilian market, we have more then 250 thousand beachwear industries in Brazil and if you don’t buy at the right time, (September until January) you wont find anything in our stock. So then international market is secondary also we wont sell big size in Brazil.
Describe your typical day?
Busy, surrounded of people, nature, phone calls, clothing, prints, colors but a productive day.
What is your philosophy of life?
“My whole life has been guided by pleasure”
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
An idea leads to another, so even that could do it over again it would be the same, this is the greatest advantage of working with nature it self, they say the rules, you just follow it
When will you know you have made it?
When our select Brazilian’s Indians tribe recognizes their style in our work, then it is made.
Interview: South African Duo Lara and Yoriko for Wild Fig Clothing
Company/Designer Name: Wild Fig/Lara Hunt and Yoriko Alty
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
After completing their diplomas Lara Hunt and Yoriko Alty individually started their own labels but soon realized that they would get much further if they joined forces. Wild Fig was launched in 2007 and has grown from strength to strength.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
Considering that the South African market is very small Noblivity offers the perfect opportunity for Wild Fig to explore the American and European markets.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
We combine classic design with contemporary feminine design details to clothe women aged 16 – 35 who love to dress up for an occasion.
What inspires you?
Women who embrace femininity
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Developing a product that is competitive whilst still supporting our South African economy.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Creating a unique style and catering to a niche higher end market
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Taking part in Joburg Fashion Week 2010 and 2011
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Learning to design to a budget and creating a product that will appeal to a broader market.
What’s next for your brand?
Expanding into the American and European market
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
Television advertisements
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
Best – Seeing fabulously dressed women that you don’t know wearing your label
Worst – Working according to a budget
Describe your typical day?
A juggling act between work and our children
What is your philosophy of life?
Trying to keep thing simple in spite of the fact that everything in life is complicated.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing
When will you know you have made it?
Once the average women in the street know the Wild Fig label and aspires to own it
Great Gift Idea! Clever Magnet Keepsakes New from Kat n’ Drew…
There’s over 1000 to choose from in so many colors. Magnet Keepsakes with clever sayings NEW from Kat n’ Drew! Great gifts for all occasions.
Interview: Chicago Apparel Designer Kate Coxworth for Kate Boggiano
Company/Designer Name: Kate Boggiano, LLC/Kate Coxworth
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
It seems to me that you’re either born with the love for fashion or you are not-it’s almost a genetic malady of some sorts so the exact starting point for me is a little fuzzy! Like most designers, I got started “patterning” (I use that word lightly) and making my own garments for all sorts of horribly embarrassing social situations at a VERY young age (many of these outfits I still have!). I smartened up when first attending college and convinced myself fashion was just a hobby and being a fashion designer was not a career. A couple years and some tough inner dialogue later, I switched majors from pre-med/biology to an independent major in fashion design at Indiana University. Post college, I made the NYC move and worked for Polo Ralph Lauren as a technical designer then a product merchant where I learned invaluable things about all aspect of the fashion business. In 2006, I moved back to Chicago (my hometown) and started Kate Boggiano and the rest is history!
Why did you join Noblivity?
I joined Noblivity because I think it is a great way to reach out to stores and ultimately customers that I wouldn’t normally have access to.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
I like to think that Kate Boggiano are classic pieces with a twist. There are beautiful, well made (USA I might add) garments that will have as much relevance to your life tomorrow as they will 5 years from now. Our customers are women who like to purchase things that are unique and beautiful and rare. We cater to the professional woman since our style is a little more dressy than some of the causal knitwear/lifestyle brands that are popular today.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by making the best blouses and dresses that money can buy. I look at what is selling from season to season and try to identify what makes it strong or weak and tweak from there. What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? There are too many to even think about and they never seem like obstacles until looking back – just unpleasant things that you have to go to in order to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Hard work, perseverance, and the open mind to look at things differently. What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? I can’t name a single greatest moment. Each season we have goals and when these are met, it’s a great feeling!
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
The quality and sophistication of the design continues to elevate ever season so that’s always rewarding to see. What’s next for your brand? We will keep improving our manufacturing, customer service, and operations to make sure that things run as smoothly as possible.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
That’s too dangerous to even think about! I try to only think about maintaining profitability and growing the business! What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? Reorders are the greatest and having vendors that do not share our attitude of providing the best product for the best price in the quickest most efficient manner is my least favorite part.
Describe your typical day?
There is no typical day in this industry!
What is your philosophy of life?
Love what you do, work hard, keep an open mind, treat everyone fairly and the good stuff will come in time!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Again, the list is WAY too long to go through and explain. I’ve done some incredibly silly things!
When will you know you have made it?
When I see someone walking down the street in a Kate Boggiano piece of clothing and I don’t know them.
Interview: Contemporary Jewerly Designer Alpa Patel
Company/Designer Name: Alpa Patel
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I started with an obsession in old things; the patina of old jewellery, the fluid organic finishes of the old pieces. I used to take old pieces apart and reassemble them differently and it sparked a creative idea in me.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
It’s a beautiful platform. After I was contacted by Noblivity I found I liked its allegiance to emerging designers and brands. It’s a well-lit road to starting out in a new market.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
My design style and signature is in using left-of-centre components and highly conceived designs that are never repeated. I believe in combining soft clarity and bedazzlement to target the strong, independent woman who has an appreciation of heritage and individualism.
What inspires you? My African heritage, vintage hardware, paddle steamers; the idea that the old can be reworked and reincarnated into the popular culture of any generation. I’m always speeding along in my mind, making notes, sketching and praying to see more.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? Getting over the psychological barrier of coming from Africa, where nothing is wasted if it can be helped and resources are limited to Australia, largely composed of a throwaway lifestyle. Changing ideas about re-usability and waste. I think designers can be notoriously wasteful if they don’t take care.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way? Confidence, a whole lot of practice and self-belief.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far? Finally seeing my finished product on the market; selling my pieces and receiving critical acclaim from people in the industry.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? Growing my materials base; seeking out older and more unique components. My designs have gotten heavier, more complex and grander in scale.
What’s next for your brand? Showcasing at the SFW 2011 in Tanzania for the second time; the imminent release of my catalogue and look book which will include a sneak preview of my 2012 collection.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? I would pack my bags and move to Paris and open a shop in Galleries Lafayette.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? It’s a proud moment when I can say “This is mine; I made this”. You can carry on at home and in your own mind as much as you like, but it’s a special day when you can come to the market and make a declaration. And then waiting for the response is one of the worst moments of my life. It’s a huge leap of faith in what is a fickle industry.
Describe your typical day? My typical day starts with a brisk walk. I set myself some tasks for the day which include answering emails, researching new ideas, experimenting with different materials and medium. I spend a lot of time troubleshooting a certain component. I read a lot of blogs and magazines for inspiration then go out for a coffee or chips and gravy. Sometimes I do a bit of web travel; I visit countries on the web and have a great time. I love what I do.
What is your philosophy of life? Don’t be distrac….wow that’s a nice doorknob!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? I would not change anything at all. I believe that this is my time so here I am giving it my very best.
When will you know you have made it? If making it means it’s the end of the road, then I’m going to just enjoy the ride for now. I’ll probably be too engrossed to notice.
Interview: Kate Janeczko Introduces Twotara Reversible Childrens Apparel
Company/Designer Name: Twotara/Kate Janeczko, President
Designer Background Summary:
How did you get started?
I had been to one-too-many baby showers for friends that were keeping the sex of their baby a surprise until birth. It was yellow and green ad nauseam! It was the most anti-climactic gift to buy, to give, to receive…and I would argue the baby’s didn’t even particularly enjoy wearing the yellow and green! I thought there had to be a better option.
I had a “light bulb” idea to create a garment that could be both pink AND blue…and Twotara’s reversible product line was born. It was truly a matter of putting one foot in front of the other, and the idea eventually materialized into a product, which is now on its way to store shelves.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
Prior to joining Noblivity, all of my sales were face-to-face with me and the potential buyers…and, I could only be in one place at one time! By joining Noblivity, I was able to tap into the virtual selling model, putting me “face to face” with thousands of buyers all at once. The closest thing I could do to cloning myself, so it was a no-brainer.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
First of all, my targeted customer is the expectant mom that thinks like I do…
Loves surprises, but still a “Type A” planner! What an enigma! This is the mom that won’t give in to her “Type A” nature and ruin what is the truest surprise on earth! I cannot imagine what it must be like to give birth and be told “Meet your son or daughter” for the first time while looking into their eyes. That being said…the planner in me would want cute clothes for both a boy and girl. Short of buying 2 complete wardrobes, Twotara’s line is a perfect fit! The designs are whimsical yet sophisticated, and above all practical!
What inspires you?
People inspire me. (There are so many amazing success stories out there!
So do motivational quotes. And song lyrics.
Somehow I can find whatever I am looking for in the right quote. Whether I need motivation, or validation, somebody out there (wiser than me) has said just the right thing.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism, and sales experience in the insurance industry…
I knew NOTHING about manufacturing! I don’t sew, and I don’t have any babies! There was a lot to learn! I didn’t even know what I didn’t know when I got started. How do you describe how cotton feels to somebody that doesn’t speak English? Or what exact shade of pink you want your garments to be? (Things Google taught me: Colors are described using the universal language of the Pantone Matching System. Thank you Google!)
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
I just kept asking questions, and finding answers. I apparently never outgrew my “why?” phase from when I was 2 years old! I would ask Google questions, I would network and ask other entrepreneurs questions, I would ask my boyfriend questions, I would ask strangers questions, I would ask the mailman questions, I would ask my mom questions, I would ask….you get the picture!
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
The response that my line has gotten from the boutique community has truly exceeded my expectations! Of course I believed in my product, and I saw a need for something other than yellow and green…
But when the buyers began supporting it, I knew I was onto something! That was the best feeling! While I will never forget my first sale (my face literally hurt from smiling so big!!), each subsequent sale has been a rush! It feels like a back-to-back explosion of “greatest moments”. All of the hard work I have put into this is validated with each sale, and I continue to pick up momentum!
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
I have made very few changes up to this point (with the exception of sizing tweaks). The product exists in the same form I had envisioned it from the very beginning. I knew it would be a combination of circles and stripes, and I pictured the rompers and footies with pockets on the butt!
However…there are many changes coming, with additional pattern options and new garments….so stay tuned!
What’s next for your brand? Line extensions…more patterns, more products….Stay tuned!
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would hire a team of marketing and public relations professionals that could spend their time focusing on introducing my product to the world! If they had a direct line to The Today Show or Oprah, that wouldn’t hurt! In the meantime, I will have to wear that “hat” too.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best: It’s empowering to see something through from bar napkin to barcode! So many people have the “back of the napkin” idea, but it takes courage and determination to see it through. I am very proud of myself! It’s amazing to look back and see how far I have come.
The worst: Being patient. This has been sooooo hard for me!! It took a full year of trial and error to get my product out of my head, and into my hands. With each new manufacturer providing a sample of their work and so many instances of high hopes being crushed with poorly constructed bad quality samples…and then having to start all over again! I simply refused to settle, and somehow someway found the patience to keep at it until the line matched my vision for it.
Describe your typical day?
Depends on what hat I am wearing that day. Am I wearing my “designer” hat, my “sales” hat, my “marketing” hat, or my ‘operations” hat? I would say that the only thing “typical” about my days is that they start early, and they end late. And for the first time in my life, I love getting up and getting started on my work day! Some days feel crazier than others. Sometimes I have to wear all 4 hats at once, and it feels chaotic. But I even love those days! What is your philosophy of life? There is a magnet hanging on my refrigerator that I gave to my boyfriend a few Christmases ago, it reads:
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
That question allows you to imagine your dream life, because it eliminates the fear of failure. Combine the answer to that question with my underlying belief that all of us can BE, DO and HAVE whatever we want in life. That combination is unstoppable. First you decide what your dream life is, and then you create it….there is no need to fear failure if we can all have whatever we want!
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I always struggle answering these types of questions, because the choices I have made up to this point, have gotten me to where I am today….and I like where I have ended up! Sure I have made a few mistakes along the way, but they have allowed me to grow. I swear my mistakes and setbacks have continually turned out to be “blessings in disguise”.
When will you know you have made it?
At times during this journey when I would need a little motivation or inspiration I would ride my bike on Chicago’s lakefront. I would stop along the path in front of a yacht called “Perseverance 2” and basically just stare…
When my boat is docked by theirs, I’ll know I made it! Maybe I’ll call mine “Ditto” with an arrow pointing to Perseverance 2!
Thinking Valentines – What’s Not to Love?
Check out DOLMA Jewelry, R2R Upcycled Bags, SewLomax, DesignHype, Unstitched Utilities, Joya Jewelry, Kat n’ Drew, Pelcor and so much more…
Interview: Israeli Contemporary Geometric Jewelry Designer Yael Herman
Company/Designer Name: YAEL HERMAN – Jewelry/Yael Herman
Designer Background Summary:
I am a jewelry maker for the last 30 years. I grow from a goldsmith to a modern designer, creating jewelry from gold silver stainless steel plastic etc. using traditional craftsmanship and advanced technology.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
I think it is a great idea, bringing the individual voice to be heard and seen, to make the world more diverse and interesting.
How did you get started?
After finishing my basic jewelry making education and giving birth to my younger daughter, I opened my work shop with a ceramic artist and a good friend, Nilly Landao. Our first intention was to have a place of our own, to be able to drink coffee and do our thing peacefully. Our place was in an ally of a side road in the center of our home town. It was a humble beginning which make it possible for me to grow slowly, to find my inner voice.
How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?
I design contemporary geometric jewelry for the sophisticated mature woman.
What inspires you?
Everything!
What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
I was always having my own place so I could present my work as I wish, but be a creator and running a gallery is very demanding.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
There is time for everything, but the focus and the intensity shifts from creating my designs and everything else.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
The present time the echo and recognition is beyond my expectation.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
Hope to change all the time with every collection with every new idea.
What’s next for your brand?
SHOES!
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
The same! have to grow slowly not to lose my rhythm and integrity.
What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?
The best is the opportunity to be seen, the worst is having to do all the work beside making jewelry specially write about it!
Describe your typical day?
There isn’t any typical day!
What is your philosophy of life?
Not to lose the passion for what I do.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Have none.
When will you know you have made it?
When I will do the next collection..
2013 Noblivity Trend Alert – Think ZEBRA…
Check out ISM Fashion Scarves, Joya Jewelry, Lova Scarves, Fashion Jewelry and so much more…
Interview: South African Jewelry Designer Vicky Fenner for Joya
Company/Designer Name: Joya Collection/Vicky Fenner
How did you get started?
My Mother, Daphne, and I started Joya 2 years ago. I had always been interested in jewelry design and started to make some pieces myself whilst studying at University, selling to local shops. She saw the potential and when I had finished my degree offered to back me with the setting up of Joya Collection. We are both very creative people and it seemed like a natural progression to take something we love doing and make a career out of it. In addition, my Father is an accountant so he was there in the background to look after the purse strings.
Why did you join Noblivity®?
We had received a lot of interest in Joya pieces from individuals in USA through magazine articles etc., mainly with requests for details of local stockists where the Joya range could be seen but being based in South Africa we were finding it difficult to build a distributor network in USA. When Noblivity contacted us, it seemed like this could be the answer to our prayers.
Who is your brands targeted customer and how do you know it’s the right target?
Joya is aimed at the individual who wants to own a piece handcrafted jewellery …not something mass produced … that can be worn everyday and that has a hint of Africa in the design and colours. The brand is inspired by the colour, texture and energy of Africa and we find that people from across the world are attracted to that enchanting combination.
What are consumers saying about your brand?
They love the quality of our product. Everything is handmade in our workshop, and nothing leaves the studio without being personally checked. They think our brand is vibrant and colorful, harnessing the energy of Africa.
What are retailers saying about your brand?
Retailers love the personal service they get when working with us. We strive to make our products as easy for them to sell as possible, so on our swing tags we tell the story of Joya and how each item is handmade. We also offer beautiful packaging and are in the process of offering display materials too. They say that the ordering process is efficient and they like our flexibility as we are often asked to tailor products to the retailer’s needs.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to bring your product to market?
We are a bit isolated here in South Africa and although we quickly achieved sales in our home market, we found it difficult initially to get the brand out into the international market. Also, finding reliable suppliers of raw materials locally was a challenge so we had to look further afield for some of our supplies.
How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
With the boom of online shopping, fashion blogs and by using a good PR Company, we gradually attracted the attention of distributors in Countries such as UK, Turkey, Chile, Ibiza, etc. which created a “snowball effect”, with more following in quick succession. A big break for us was with the luxury hotel group One & Only, as they exposed us to the wider international market by stocking us in their hotel boutiques in Mexico, Mauritius, Dubai, Maldives and Cape Town, with clients from all over the world. With the sourcing of supplies, we have become experts at finding whatever we need on the Internet. 
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
I think our greatest moment has been when we got reorders from existing distributors. It is relatively easy to get a retailer to make an initial ‘sample’ order, but getting them to reorder your goods shows they have had success with your brand and they believe I your products. Apart from that, I have got a huge buzz from seeing our designs in leading fashion magazines like Marie Claire, Elle, Tattler, Gazia and online on multiple blogs including that of the British Vogue jewellery editor! We also love seeing our pieces worn by celebrities and models such as Lara Stone, Candice Swanepoel and Dominique Piek.
What’s next for your brand?
We want to break into some new markets, like the USA where we believe there would be a strong interest in Joya. I would also like to develop our accessory range including scarves and handbag which we have recently launched in South Africa and have received a very positive feedback so far.
If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would like to put Joya “concept stores” into some of the top cities in the world.
Where are you promoting your brand?
We have a full time PR agent now in Cape Town and we got a lot of exposure in the press here, Glamour, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire to name a few of the regular ones. We also are working on launching our new website which we will promote through SEO and PPC.
Getting a product into the stores takes time, patience and perseverance. How do you know you have what it takes?
We believe in our brand so strongly that we know eventually we it will get the recognition it deserves, it just takes time. It’s the snowball effect as mentioned earlier, it happens bit by bit and as long as we keep the quality of products as high as possible, new designs being introduced and our customer service top notch, then there is no reason we shouldn’t succeed.
What is your philosophy of life?
You get out of life what you put into it …. and hard work and perseverance brings its own rewards.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Not much! It’s been a fantastic learning curve and every mistake is a lesson. Of course there are a few things I shouldn’t have ordered, a few products that didn’t turn out to be a success but I wouldn’t do it any differently as then I wouldn’t have learnt that lesson!
What are the three things a retailer should know about your brand that will help them get their margin?
African influenced designs and colours, handcrafted by local skilled artisans, using quality materials.
