The 3 Misconceptions About Starting A Business

1. You need lots of capital to start a business.
That's what everyone thinks. But if you are creative, you dont unless you are building a hotel or some mega project. And I think the more $$ you have, the more you are afraid to venture and lose it. I started with less than $3000 with no financial help from my parents who spent what they had on my education. Yes you heard it right. Start small and build up.

When I first started, I couldnt afford any physical space. And I sold online. Whenever anyone was interested, I will lug around my big bag of clothes in various sizes for the customer to try. I developed a chronic backache as a result. I will meet customers in shopping centres or hotels or their houses. Some of my earlier customers will have remembered that. I remembered once when a rich tai tai called me to bring as many designs as possible to her apartment after seeing them on my web. There was no lift and I climbed up the whole stairs with my luggage bag. In the end, she told me my clothes are expensive for her as she could invest in designer togs instead. And I climbed back down the stairs with the big luggage bag. And she lived on top of a slope.

2. You need lots of experience
I didnt had any former fashion education or experience. But what helped me was my experience in the creative field and marketing communications, it helped me market Fuchsia Lane effectively. I created a unique story angle for my press releases and Fuchsia Lane was featured in the papers for more than 30 times. You need to know what you are getting into but you dont need years of experience. And be prepared to fall and learn.

3. You can do whatever you want as a boss.
That is so not true. As your business grow bigger, you take on more obligations and responsibilities. Fuchsia Lane has the obligation to the staff and their families. I have to make sure they get fed even if business is bad. They get paid first. I have a responsibility to my customers to make sure they are getting what they pay for. All my designs get finalised after destroying many samples which explains the price. I cant stop working or declare myself a holiday just because I feel like it. I think I work 16-20 hours a day. My head is full of stuff like creating new designs, making sure my staff are working hard and happy, attracting and retaining customers, thinking of new ideas to increase business in these times.