Throughout my blog I will be evaluating my strengths and weaknesses project by project, looking at different skills I develop using my own personal analysis.
Project 1 (AD203) Hand in date- Wednesday 10th November 9am
AD203 Art & Design Application 2 (10 credits)
- Sketch book
- Portfolio
Anh came into college to have a chat with us about her business, she talked about what sort of ideas and designs she would be looking for as a number of the dresses we make are going to be selected and produced under her label.
My first impression of Anh was of how determined she was, definitely a woman that never gave up, after giving us a brief history about her journey and how she made a name for herself I researched into her background and discovered how she had previously tried and failed to make it into the fashion industry, she then came back with more passion and drive than ever before and now has a successful business 'Mao Couture'.
'In January 2000 I was awarded a maximum support grant from Prince’s Trust to start my business as a young fashion design manufacturer with my company, Artsang. I had my second child, Yen, in 2000 but it was extremely hard starting a business and having a young family.
Fashion is all about being able to produce high quality at the right price, marketed to the right consumer. I explored every possible way to market the Artsang label. After nine months hard work and attending a trade fair exhibition in London, Artsang managed to secure 30 orders from shops across the UK and Ireland.
It was a great achievement to secure that order and in November 2000 Artsang was nominated for North East Business of the Year. But I was also under pressure every day to make sure that all the orders were delivered on time by Christmas of that year.
Sadly in December, due to the unforeseen breakdown of my marriage, I was left with no money and two children aged 3 and 7 months. I had to make the decision to close the business until I understood what was happening in my life and I set my priority to raise my children until they were both in school full time; then I could think about me.
For the last six years, all I concentrated on was the welfare of my children and finding enough money to pay my mortgage and debts and keep food on the table. I worked as a freelance designer for a London based fashion and company and also worked for the Arts Council of North East England as the Arts and Culture facilitator for the Chinese Arts Forum.
When my contract ended in 2005, I knew I wanted to work for myself again and I still wanted to spend more time with my children. Working 9 till 6 didn’t allow us to have that much quality time together.
I started working as a freelance artist and consultant, working with schools, museums, galleries and councils across the North East, developing art workshops and education programmes.
As much as I enjoyed my work with various size organisations, making new contacts and learning new skills, I still wasn’t happy. At the back of my mind, fashion is my first love and something I did well in the past.
Now my children were in full time education, I decided that it was the right time for me to set up my own business and do something that I can passionately create and make a difference to.
I also wanted to really inspire my children and give them a better lifestyle. In my opinion, an entrepreneur is someone who wants to achieve something in life, is proud to be different and shows ambition.
In September 2006 I gave up freelancing and with no money, I set up my business MaoCouture, which specialises in imaginative, striking and versatile bridal and evening wear. I manage and develop the business from marketing to sales, to design and manufacture of the dresses. The gowns are made to measure and are all created based on each client’s exact requirements'- Anh Mao
'I started in the corner of our garage with two very old sewing machines. Because I had no money, I wrote down all my goals and time scales that I would hope to achieve them in. I wrote down all my different ideas about how this could be accomplished using as little money as possible.My first step was to research my competition in the North East region and then try and find a niche market by understanding consumer behaviour and spending, trend, price and quality. Most important was researching how to reach the customer and get the name and brand into the market.From my research I realised that people have very busy lifestyles and spend a lot of time on their computers to find products. I decided I must have a website, but at the time I couldn’t afford one and besides, I have very little knowledge in that area.
Luckily my sister found a free build your own website. I found it very hard and struggled, but my eldest son came along and saw me struggling and he started to help me with the construction of my website.
I call my son my IT manager and he helps me to manage and change all the new designs every season and also helped with the logo and flyer too.
My next step was printing business cards to hand out to clients. Whilst I found that hard as well due to the cost being too high for my budget, again I went online and sourced a free design and print company for my own business stationary and I’m very happy with them.
With all that in place, I saved my money to put into the North East’s largest, three day wedding show where I showcased my designs and found my first customer. I quickly realised I needed to establish myself and make the public aware of MaoCouture.
I decided to contact local businesses and jointly run a ladies night event including a fashion show. It was a really successful venture and great free promotion for my business'- Anh Mao
Links-
http://www.maocouture.co.uk/
http://www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/
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