For us it all started with a problem at University. I was studying Graphic Design in my 3rd year, and working on a project that involved printing my work onto a t-shirt. I wanted my design to be bigger than a square in the centre. I further wanted it to be on a sustainable t-shirt, that was fitted, not baggy.
However this didn’t really work out, I was unable to find anywhere that would meet my needs at a realistic price. I continued to find numerous other problems during the year. The main ones that stood out to me were issues like the lack of recognition for design work; I would put hours into the work I did, and then wasn’t credited for it, and in most cases I also went unpaid, with companies telling me, it’ll look good in the portfolio. They were right, it would look great but, that wasn’t going to help me pay for my rent.
So I had to perform a bit of a juggling act, balancing my University work, earning money, and trying to get experience all at the same time. I wasn’t the only one, it was something we all had to put up with, and felt a little unfair.
As my course progressed a new module started, Business Management and Production, one that many resented, but I loved. Within this module we had to draw up a business plan, and then pitch the idea to a panel of judges. There were no prizes, just a good grade at the end if you did well. However my team’s pitch was good to such a level that we were selected to go to a Business development workshop.
The workshop was during the summer, during which our team dropped down to just two, but within this time we were able to rethink the strategy and I came up with a completely new idea. An idea influenced by all of the issues I described earlier. I think this is key to a business; it’s creating something that solves a problem. My goal was to create something that would benefit students and graduates alike, as well as something that could be a viable business. Albatross Clothing Ltd was born.
The two of us went to the workshop, which really inspired me (so if you get the chance, go to one!) furthermore it opened up an opportunity to pitch the idea for financial support (think Dragons Den on a small scale!) What was even better was the fact we actually won £1,000 plus office space! Although immediately after we hit another set back: my partner in the business had to drop out, having gotten a really good marketing job. So then, it was just left to me. Could I really set up a company alone, with next to no experience, and in this financial climate?
I decided I couldn’t quit, I would just work harder and longer. I would make it work. With help from the University, friends, and those I had met as a result of the pitch, I was able to push forward and get the work done, as well as build up a reliable team.
Now today, we have just launched and can hopefully look forward to making things a little easier for some creatives, solving some of the problems I found at University. As well as creating a company that produces products that I am proud of and believe are better.
There is no beating about the bush, this is something that will consume your life, working early mornings and late nights is a must, especially when your also doing a part-time job as well. Many suggest going slowly and gradually, but I disagree completely. Starting a business shouldn’t take years. Work long and hard, and you will get there. Don’t rush, but don’t go so slow by the time your ready to trade someone else has already done it.
Read everything you can in relation to business and what you are doing, especially if you start with just passion driving you, and not a whole lot of business knowledge.
Self-belief is key. I whole heartedly believed my company would take off, and still do. I dropped out of my part-time job, stopped all of my outside activities, and put every moment I had into my company. I had every confidence, that I was better than the other competitors out there. I just needed people to buy the products to understand this, and to read about what it is that made my company so much better. Believe in yourself, always.
Now that leads us onto the tough part, getting your name out there. Very few peoepl (unless your really lucky and talk to some great people) will write about you for nothing, and as a start up with no money to put into marketing, this can be a problem. My advice is to tell everyone what you’re doing, network as much as possible and be passionate. Sooner or later someone who likes your idea, will want to help you out and write about you in some way, the proof being this article. In addition to this they may even give you some valuable advice.
I believe there are key traits to someone who will succeed; it’s these I want to go into next. The first trait that’s vital for your success I feel, is drive, as this is more powerful, and useful than any talent. It is this that will keep you working tirelessly to make it your brand work. The second is the ability to listen. A lot of people will say your idea isn’t great, or that there are holes in it. Don’t do like many and snap at them. Ask why they don’t like it, and use this advice. Taking advice and making mistakes is the only way you will learn.
The third key trait I feel is to be resourceful. Use every resource you have around you. I was lucky I had friends, advisors and the University helping me out. Allocate your resources and the people who can help you. You cant do everything yourself, and there are many things others will be able to do better than you. Surround yourself with these better people, and value everything they offer you, and where you can, repay them for this. Obviously as a start up, repayment may not be easy, but fingers crossed when you succeed you can repay them well!
It’s a tough road, but completely worthwhile as it’s something that is your own. This is something you want to get up early to do, and something you really have a passion for, which I don’t feel any normal job, working for someone else can achieve. Put in the time and effort, and listen to every piece of advice you get. With that, you cannot go far wrong.
Guest Post by Alex Franklin, Albatross Clothing Ltd Director
