Dear Lovelies,
My problem with starting a brand or business was not only where to start, but when.
After high school, I did what any 18 year old does and enrolled into University. I applied for a course in Banking and Finance, which mind you, I didn't even take up the subject (Commerce) in high school. In hindsight I was just lost. I was motivated to finish high school and get good grades for my parents, but overlooking what I really wanted to do with my life.
This obviously didn't last long for me. I dropped out 2 years in and pivoted towards a career in fashion. Naturally my parents were not supportive with my choice. However, I did not blame them. Their thinking was moulded through years of life experiences, mainly struggles. Working tirelessly in our bungalow, sewing to make ends meet. They just didn't want the same life for me.. Many immigrant families experienced the same.
But eventually, my parents gave in and realised I was going to do what I wanted anyway.
I started studying fashion design for a few years, but realised I wasn't really excelling. I was hit with the realisation that this path might not be for me. Or was it my early 20s and had other priorities? Probably the latter. Losing my drive, I didn't enrol for my last year of fashion design.
I started a styling course soon after and found the fashion spark again. I was convinced I wanted to be a personal stylist. And so I started taking on clients, but then Covid hit and dressing up was the last thing on peoples minds, me included. During this time, I focused on my 9-5 job (FYI in banking of all things). It allowed me to achieve life milestones (building a house and all the adulting stuff). But my heart has always been pulled back to fashion.
So in the 2022, a decade after I broke the news to my parents, I decided to take the leap and work towards starting up my own fashion brand. The idea scared me. Not only was this a huge commitment but I really didn't know the first thing about business.
Fortunately, I'm blessed to have people around me to help and guide me when I needed it. A special Thank you to my amazing partner, who has been there every step of the way. Being my rock and number 1 supporter. We're almost there.. To my family and friends who have supported me and continue to show their love, I am forever grateful to have you in my life.
The idea of pursuing a fashion brand didn't come to me over night. If anything, it's been a slow and gradual process. But something that I definitely had to go through to see how I much I really love it. Now the idea of doing this for the foreseeable future excites me!
So the brand is an ode to my last decade, of discovering and figuring myself out. And to the all decades to come.
This is only one girls journey, but I really hope you stick around for the ride. I can't wait to show you what I have in store x
Forever with Love, NLP