The pandemic has been robust on the fashion business. In Malaysia, designers needed to climate dangerous instances, considering up alternative ways to spice up gross sales as individuals spent much less on garments throughout lockdowns.
A trio of entrepreneurial Malaysians nevertheless, didn’t see the pandemic as a stumbling block to their dream of beginning their personal fashion label.
Jay Liow, Zulfathi Nordin and Miemie Loh based Umbi Kids in 2020. Offering simply kidswear at the moment, it now has grown to additionally carry designs for adults.
For them, the journey has been a memorable one.
“The first piece of garment sold was an unforgettable experience,” relates Liow.
“We spent close to six months setting up the brand – from designing to sourcing materials to creating our online presence. The very first order gave us the assurance and the push to continue striving forward.”
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When clients shared images of themselves sporting the label’s garments, it was like a validation of their efforts.
“We work hard so our clothes can be a part of our wearers’ best moments and in return, we also got great memories from their experiences,” Liow feedback.
All three founders have prior background in the inventive business. As such, they attempt to promote “art” by their garments.
“We design and create our own unique prints. Every print is based on an inspiration, which we share with our wearers,” explains Liow.
She provides that the pandemic made them realise that life is simply too brief to not pursue their desires and fervour.
Loh, Zulfathi and Liow (from left) have been unfazed by the difficult instances and boldly went on to pursue their desires. Photo: Umbi KidsThey have been assured that folks would nonetheless need to gown their greatest throughout festive instances – whether or not or not they’re at house or on the transfer. The perception was that folks would additionally need to maintain the festive custom alive for their youngsters even throughout lockdowns.
According to Liow, the help of their clients has been phenomenal.
“Of course, starting a brand in the middle of lockdowns definitely has its risks. To minimise that risk, we operated solely online in our first year,” she says, including that they just lately opened a showroom in Setia Alam, Selangor.
“A smooth sea never makes a great sailor, there are ups and downs in this journey but we know every obstacle comes with a solution. We have learnt that communication and trust are two very important ingredients for the brand to keep growing.”
They started with only a small warehouse workplace. That house has grown right into a 1,400 sq ft showroom with two altering rooms.
Liow says that Umbi Kids runs on a really lean mannequin. Everyone on the crew has a number of talent units, which minimises the want for outsourcing.
”Of course, with completely different experiences, opposing opinions might come up. Fortunately, all three of us are pushed by the similar ardour and aim,” she provides.
”We be sure to check-in with one another with regards to psychological well being as properly.”
Resource limitation throughout the pandemic has been an issue. As such, the founders have been very cautious in increasing the enterprise.
On no matter progress witnessed, Liow attracts comparability to the label’s identify, which suggests “roots” from the Malay phrase “akar umbi”.
“Umbi Kids has grown stronger roots and has evolved. We are confident we will keep evolving and will steadily grow from here.”
On how the fashion business may be difficult as traits change in a blink of an eye fixed, she says that Umbi Kids doesn’t subscribe to such a enterprise mannequin.
Liow explains that they attempt to be extra cautious with what they produce – and accomplish that in sustainable portions.
“If we follow trends, we will never escape the shadows of fast fashion and the need to constantly spew out new products.”
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The three founders place nice worth in making their model relatable. Plus, they ensure that they’ve real and legitimate connections with their purchasers.
As it’s, Liow encourages clients to speak with them.
”Talk to us, counsel your favorite color, tell us what’s the most snug match, we do pay attention and your suggestions would possibly very properly be making its means into our subsequent assortment!”
The concept is {that a} label can’t simply have garments hanging on a rack and hope the until will repeatedly ring. People, the atmosphere or creativity must be centered on, greater than revenue.
Umbi Kids understands that. Or, as Liow so proudly places it: “Our customers know that there is a human touch behind their garments.”
