Five things I Learned from Seven Years in the Fashion Business.
It’s little consolation, but at least 2020 is behind us, and I hope that you’re all safe and (relatively) sane. Although last year seemed like hell on earth at points, I’m grateful that the business survived, and to have learned a few things along the way.
- Expect the unexpectable
This time last year a few news agencies were reporting on the Corona Virus, but no one could have prepared for the pace of change since then. From the first hard lockdowns, through all the subsequent levels and adjustments, January 2020 seems a completely different world. I’ve been lucky so far that my business has been able to trade, but many have not been so fortunate. Being on top of my business and how it operates on a day-to-day basis has saved me so far. I’ve also been changing as fast as possible to always serve the needs of the people. I really hope this year will be calmer, and thank you to everyone who continues to support my business through these insane times.
Btw “expect the unexpectable” is a quote from my absolute favourite movie Who Killed Caption Alex? So if you’re done with Netflix, there you go ;)
2. Noting beats a suit
I’m ashamed to admit that I wore sweat pants in public in 2020, just once, I wanted to know how other people live…I was also having a mini breakdown about the future of suits as the world embraced lounge wear. Fortunately the magic of the suit has simply increased since it’s become more rare, and suit connoisseurs are taking their chance to be extra dapper just to help keep the world sane during this crazy pandemic. Personally most of my mental health is coming from wearing suits right now. I am excited to see what happens in menswear now that the office doesn’t have as much control over what we wear. I predict a greater diversification and a greater expression of individuality, but I definitely don’t see the suit going out of style anytime soon.
3. Business is it’s own skill set
Among the many skills required to be an entrepreneur, business administration is really key. Although tailoring skills are the foundation of the business, systems and processes are what allows the work to flow smoothly and the customers to be satisfied. By now I’ve learned that business requires people, and without the skills of leadership and management the business cannot grow larger than any individual.
4. You’re going to need multiple strategies
I can’t help chuckle at how naïve I was starting out 2020, thinking that any plan could have included 7weeks of remaining in the house, and the subsequent lockdowns through which we are still living. We’re all going to need to find a way to live in this new world. And there’s probably going to be a lot of fumbling around in the dark so prepare to fall flat on your face a couple times.
5. Service is key
A good business will solve their clients’ problems in a seamless way. As we head into 2021 I think the number of problems each of us face will increase. I’ve been fortunate so far being in the sewing business, but the world will certainly never be the same again, and all businesses will have to find a way to survive in a the new normal. For myself I’ve always listened carefully to the needs and experiences of my clients, and served them with all my heart.
And so on with 2021!! I can’t thank you all enough for your support over the years, and I look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.
If you’d like to keep up to speed with what’s fashionable do check out my facebook and instagram feeds, and you’re always welcome to get in touch (benjaminsaccaggi@gmail.com / 073 345 1779) for an appointment.
I’ve been writing these blogs each year since I began the business in 2014, and if you’d like to see what the Benjamin of the past thought about the fashion industry, you can go here.
The Green Tailor 