So as you all know I love to support local and started a #girlboss segment on the blog where we could share insights and stories, learn and inspire! And most importantly, SUPPORT each other.
During lock down, we are going to do a whole lot of these to highlight these businesses – many of which are taking HUGE strain during this time – and shed some awareness and love to all.
So let’s talk all about Bibi Rouge! So who is Bibi Rouge? Local designer, Sabrina (Kennedy) Moffat has created a proudly South African fashion line that is locally manufactured. Their range is committed to being environmentally conscious and socially responsible. She is the ultimate #girlboss!
You started your own business – How does it feel to be a successful #girlboss that inspires others and loves what she does?
It is such a great feeling to inspire others, and to be called a #girlboss! But I must say, while you’re doing it, you don’t always feel that way! I just feel like a normal woman, and try and focus on working hard and trying to create a business that supports my beliefs, our economy, our environment, and gives jobs to as many women as possible. The fact that I inspire some people by doing that just makes it all so much better
What are the top 3 learnings you have had to find out the hard way since starting your own business?
I started my business when I was 20, and I was busy completing a degree that was not in Fashion, so I had to learn almost everything the hard way, which is one of the things I’m most grateful for now.
The three most important learnings I have had to find out would be:
Knowing something on paper doesn’t mean much. Knowing it by doing it, and experiencing it, is irreplaceable. It never gets easier being an entrepreneur. You get better at handling certain things, but they don’t get easier. You will work hard every day of your life as long as you run your own business. I relearn this constantly, and its always a reminder that if i want the freedom and passion of running my own business, I have to take the sacrifices that come with it. eg, no weekends, no working hours, always working a bit on holiday.. etc
Where do you see your business in 5 years? Once we have gotten over the effects of the lock down.
Thats a tough question in these strange times because retail and clothing is going to struggle to get back to what it is when this lockdown is over, but I would ideally like to have 2-3 stores in different centres in the next 5 years. Expanding our physical stores has always been a goal of mine, so I would love to see that happen.
What is your advice to women out there wanting to start their own businesses but are too scared?
Being scared is great. If you don’t have that burning feeling inside when you think about your business, you aren’t passionate enough to start it.
My advice is always start small. Don’t invest a lot of money into a new business. Invest what you can afford to loose if it doesn’t work. Then work as hard as you can to make sure you don’t lose it. If you are willing to start small, grow steadily, and work your butt off for the first 2-3 years, you will succeed. If you start small, what ever challenges you face will be easy to manage. grow your business as you feel ready to. Things will come up and you will deal with them as you go, because you wont be as overwhelmed. Once you take the leap to start, it all starts making sense and falling into place, so force yourself to take the leap, and it will all start happening. Start a Facebook or Instagram page for your business as your first step, and then you’ll see how quickly you start putting time and energy into the business naturally.
How do you keep your brand relevant to customers and the market during these scary economic times?
We try and just be authentic. We are honest about this being a hard time, and we just try to stay positive and keep our customers positive. We have opted to reduce our prices to make it easier for financially strained customers to still be able to support us. If we all help and support each other, we will get through this.
Tell us 2 things that are the BEST part about owning your own business and make it all worth while?
For me, seeing someone walking in a public place wearing my clothing makes it worth every second of it, and knowing that I employ and support so many women in my company, who rely on me to support their families. Those two things make the passion for my business stay strong.
Buy online on their website or (after lockdown) at their shop in Benmore Centre:
55 Benmore Centre, Corner of Grayston drive and Benmore road, Benmore Rd, Sandton, 2191.
Check out their Facebook page and Instagram profile and follow please! Share with your friends and please place orders online – they will be delivered after lock down. They have stock online and if there is something they have run out of, let them know and they can place an order for you for after lockdown. Please also support by buying vouchers to help support their team over this challenging time!
We need to help each other over this crazy time <3
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