Happy New Year!
Wow what a year for me!!
After having a blitz of a start (setting up website, photo-shoot, made samples, set up social media etc) things came to a real halt. It was a mixture of falling quite ill and simply not know what to do next!
I felt like I took off so quickly and burnt out even quicker and didn't have the resources I needed to continue.
What did I learn from this? I learned that patience is truly a great virtue. Take your time and plan every step and think over things at least twice. I would have avoided some very awkward and sticky situations!!
Also get everything in writing and signed!! I'm learning quickly that while business can be all smiles and laughs it can quickly turn sour when people don't honor their word or disappear on you. I have a new mantra "They are not my friends....it's just business!!"
Anyone considering staring their own venture this year I would say you need to definitely grow a big pair of balls and skin as thick as a crocodiles - take nothing personally and rather than wallowing over a set back think about your next move.
Also research, research, RESEARCH! You will lose nothing by being well educated but will lose a lot through lack of education. I don't have a fancy degree in business and I can't afford to join evening/weekend courses so do like me and head down to Waterstones (or of the like) or even hit-up the library to save even more pennies. The British Library has great business resources and it's a part of my resolution to be in there a lot more often!
While starting Miss Simone is still a terrifying thought I'm extremely excited for this year. It's all about funding and getting my jeans out there. Also I intend on hitting up all the fashion exhibitions, meeting buyers and fellow designers and networking and getting my name out there! If I don't start now then I never will!
*Recap*
- Have Patience
- Plan ahead (plan for the worst)
- Grow thick skin
- Research!
- Educate
- Network
- GO FOR IT!
