Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion and clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Fahad Al Jomaiah, Co-Founder of 1886, located in Riyadh, KSA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
1886 is the first Saudi Arabia's elevated streetwear brand, engaging millennial and Gen-Z consumers with edgy, genderless looks and inventive designs. The brand represents a unique Saudi perspective in the global streetwear market, rooted in local culture while embracing international inspirations. My enthusiasm for music, art, and urban trends drove myself and Khalid Aljammaz to establish a platform that empowers youth via self-expression. 1886 redefines fashion in Saudi Arabia and inspires the trend-conscious consumer with a commitment to excellence and the latest aesthetics. The actual essence of 1886's success resides in the brand's unwavering pursuit of perfection and commitment to raising the bar for streetwear. Our products feature a diverse range of tech materials, unconventional patterns, and gender-neutral styles, all meticulously crafted to cater to the fashion-forward and trend-conscious.
Tell us about yourself
My college mate Khalid Aljammaz and I, Fahad Al Jomiah, co-founded 1886, a fashion business inspired by our shared passions for music, art, and urban fashion. Recognizing a void in the Saudi fashion market, we recognized an opportunity to build a distinct streetwear brand that embodies our country's growing youth culture. 1886 encourages Saudi Arabian youth to embrace their identity and to express themselves through fashion, with a blend of edgy, genderless designs and a focus on innovation.
Today, as co-founders of 1886, we take pride in seeing the brand's progress and the community's constant support. Our vision of building a network that connects youthful generations with a distinct Saudi identity has come true. It's an incredible feeling to witness our vision come to life, and we're inspired every day by the positive influence our brand has on our customers and the Saudi fashion landscape.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We encountered skepticism from some who questioned the sustainability of a native Saudi brand in today's competitive fashion world. We were well aware of the obstacles and uncertainties that lay ahead when we embarked on this enterprise. However, our steadfast faith in our goal, along with immense community support, became the driving factor that carried us ahead. We see 1886 as more than just a fashion label; it is a symbol of creative expression, cultural pride, and individualism. With our community on our side, we excitedly await the next chapters of 1886's growth and inventiveness.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the most difficult obstacles I've faced is navigating through the industry's challenges and skepticism. Creating a brand with no past expertise in the fashion industry might be frightening. Keeping a competitive advantage in the fast-paced and ever-changing fashion environment necessitates ongoing innovation and staying on top of developing trends. It's critical to have an ear to the ground and anticipate the shifting preferences of our target audience. Customer satisfaction is critical to our success. We place a high value on knowing our customers' needs and desires, and we engage with them to gain feedback and insights. The journey of being a business owner is not without its obstacles, yet it is precisely these challenges that drive us to excel and exceed expectations.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First and foremost is important to develop a unique value proposition for your company. Understand your target audience's requirements and desires, and then customize your products or services to satisfy those demands.
Secondly, embrace innovation: Be open to adopting new technology, processes, and business models in today's fast-changing landscape. Maintain flexibility and be open to pivot in response to market developments and client preferences.
Last but not least: Put client satisfaction first by providing great client experiences. Customers who are pleased with your product or service are more likely to become committed brand champions, resulting in favorable word-of-mouth marketing and repeat business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://1886fashion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashion1886
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_1886/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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