To start and run any business successfully, you must have the basic tools of the trade. For fashion designers, some of these basic essential tools include a sewing machine, thread and needle, measuring tape, and mannequins, amongst others.
Sometimes, however, purchasing these essentials tools might be out of your budget and you get stuck. This does not have to be the case as there are ways out.
Last week, we reviewed a video by Kemi Omorogbe of Kemafrik on how to run a fashion business from home, and, this week, we reviewed a video by Ada-Uju of Stitchadress on ‘How to Buy a Sewing Machine on a Low Income’. In it, she gave practical steps on how fashion entrepreneurs can purchase the necessary equipment they need to start their business on a low income.
The video aims to teach new fashion entrepreneurs things they can do to gather the money they need to start their business, even when they cannot afford it on their income.
This video review will cover;
- useful points fashion entrepreneurs can learn from,
- important points missed out,
- the relevance of the information provided to fashion entrepreneurs.
How to Purchase Sewing Supplies on a Low Income.
1. Save.
This is most likely one you have heard many times before. You might even wonder what there is to save when you are receiving no income.
One of the ways you can get money to save is through clients’ orders. When a client makes an order and wants to pay for your service, give them your account number, do not collect cash.
When you always have your goal in mind, it will be easy for you to save towards it.
If the account they deposit the money into is a very active one, the next thing you should do is to send a percentage of that money to a separate account. This account should be one that you do not have too much access to, that is, one you do not have an ATM card for.
The money you did not send to this separate account can then be used to buy materials for the client’s order and to have some cash at hand. This is one way you can save to buy sewing supplies for your business.
Another way to save is to use a savings app for your saving needs. One of such apps is PiggyVest. With such apps, you can lock some money away for future use or save some money for yourself.
These apps make it easy for you to save more money than you thought you could.
Another way to save your money is by taking some money out of the cash you receive from clients and depositing it into your bank account.
2. Have a Side Hustle.
There is nothing wrong with you having a side hustle as you save up to buy supplies to start your fashion business. Look for something you can put your hands to that will bring in some form of income.
When you are not making enough money, do not just sit down and say a jackpot will come. It might never come. Sometimes you need a salary to fuel your dreams, so, never let anyone tell you otherwise.
An example of a side hustle you can have is registering businesses for other people with the CAC. When you receive money from your side hustle, deposit some of that money into a separate account you use for savings.
3. Ask for Help.
Never be too proud to ask for help when you need it. You can tell your family members that you need money to buy your sewing supplies and ask for their help with it.
Do not beg to the point that you become a nuisance, but adamantly and persistently let them know that you need their help with purchasing sewing supplies. Remind them at intervals about your request.
“When I wanted to start my fashion business, I did not have a 9-5 job, so, I had no money to use to buy my sewing machine. When I realised this, I asked my family members persistently for money to purchase a machine and they gave it to me. That’s how I got my first sewing machine.” – Oyindamola Oludiya, Creative Director, Yindie.
We all need help in this life so ask for it. Even if they can not give you all the money you need, accept the little get can give you. You can try also to divide the cost of your supplies among them to make it easier on them.
Make sure that when you get the supplies you need, you put them to good use. Let them see that you are using it so they will be open to help you in future.
4. Buy Fairly Used.
Sometimes, the cost of purchasing a brand new machine is high. At times like this, you can start with a fairly used machine that is in good condition.
An old sewing machine will get the same job a new sewing machine will get done done. There is no shame in buying fairly used machines.
Other Points Missed Out.
5. Improvise and Use Secondhand Tools.
Sometimes, you do not need to buy sewing supplies, you can just improvise. For example, your cutting table can double as an ironing board while you save up money to buy one.
Another way to get sewing supplies is by asking those that have gone ahead of you for their old tools. This could be old machines, stools, mannequins, or any other thing you might fine useful. Just make sure they are in good condition before you take them.
The Usefulness of the Information to Fashion Entrepreneurs.
The video shared practical steps for purchasing sewing supplies on a low income based on experience. This made it easily relatable and useful for new fashion designers sojourning into entrepreneurship.
The video proves to be useful and realistic, giving steps that any fashion designer can follow to achieve their dreams.
1 comment
37334 427780Hello! Good post! Please do keep us posted when we can see a follow up! 152674