Starting a fashion brand may seem like a crazy idea, especially when you have no professional background or experience in the industry. But for me, it was a dream I was determined to turn into reality. Growing up in a small town in the countryside, fashion was always my passion. I loved experimenting with different styles and putting together outfits that reflected my unique personality.

After graduating from a well-known university with a degree in fashion design, I landed my first job as an assistant designer for a fashion brand. It was an entry-level position, but it gave me opportunities to learn from experienced designers and work on real projects. I gained invaluable insights into the industry’s workings, honed my skills, and grew more confident in my abilities.

Despite my job being enjoyable, I knew deep down that I wanted to create something unique and special that reflected my personal style and vision. So, I took the leap and decided to start my own fashion brand from scratch.

The first step was turning my vision into reality in terms of product design. I spent several months trying to create the perfect piece that I was satisfied with. It wasn’t easy, and I had to learn to pay attention to even the smallest details to achieve the perfect fit and effortless style I was aiming for.

There were times when my exacting standards annoyed suppliers, who told me that they couldn’t meet my expectations. Many refused to continue working with me, but I didn’t give up or lower my standards. After several months, I finally developed my first small batch of pieces that I was relatively satisfied with. They were bold in style, versatile to wear, cut to fit well, and made from unique fabrics. It was a good reward for not lowering my standards.

While developing my designs, I began building my network within the industry. Networking is crucial in the fashion industry, but I had to start from scratch. I asked my friends to introduce me to people in the industry and arranged meetings with them. I took detailed notes during every meeting and encouraged them to introduce me to others in the industry if they knew anyone. Some meetings proved helpful and led to actual collaborations, while others felt like a waste of time (although you never know when one connection may lead to another breakthrough). Through networking, I was able to learn more about the industry and how it operated.

Through my journey, I have gained invaluable experiences, such as building strong relationships with suppliers, expanding my network of contacts, and growing my business from scratch. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.

As for my future goals, I plan to expand my brand globally and become a household name in the fashion industry. I hope to inspire and empower young women everywhere to embrace their unique sense of style and confidence, just as I did through my journey of entrepreneurship and creativity. Starting a fashion brand from scratch is not easy, but it’s worth pursuing your passion and seeing it turn into reality.