It was 7 years ago since I first started my clothing lines. I remembered how desperate I am to start my own business. When I was still working, I keep thinking on quiting and start my own business. I love the job, but I keep believing that 'I'm bigger than this.' So I quit.
After a year of working as a freelancer to collect money, finally at November 2011, I managed to launch my small local clothing line called 'Jesselton Eleven Clothing' a.k.a J11. It's a Sabahan theme t-shirt. Back then, we are the only one selling this kind of theme. We went everywhere to sell our product, open booth at night market, shopping complex, or any event. It's tiring but it's fun!
At Gaya Street Night Market 2012
Beside selling at the booth, we also selling online, almost 70% of our sales came from online purchasing. God bless the internet! and most of our ads also via online.
Online orders sometime can be quite tricky to handle, but once you done it for years, it became easier.
It's not an easy work when you have no basic in business. I've been cheated by supplier, paid the item but never got recieve it. We also have problem with the consignment agents three times, we drop our products but never got the money. and our design being copied and sold at other places! There's a time that I feel like quitting but seeing my customer wearing my design has gave me the feeling that our brand being appreciated. That's what keep us going.
Our booth at Shoping Complex last year.
Our small shop located Megalong ComplexYears by years, we still survive and progressing. From selling at pasar malam, now we have our own shop for the customers. We still planning to improve all aspect of this small business.
P/s: Finally I'm back and post a new content! Been busy and uninspired lately, hopefully after this I can be more consistent. Btw, Happy Chinese New Year guys! Gong Xi Fatt Chai.