Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion and clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brian Lim, CEO and Founder of iHeartRaves and INTO THE AM, located in Anaheim, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
iHeartRaves is a fashion and lifestyle brand that specializes in festival clothing, rave wear, EDM apparel, and accessories for men and women. Our customer base consists of young adults who are passionate about the music scene and festivals and expressing themselves through bright colors and bold styles. We strive to create high-quality items at affordable prices, so everyone can join in on the fun of festival fashion!
Similarly, my other business, INTO THE AM, is also a clothing brand, but there, our team of skilled artisans specializes in crafting graphic T-shirts made of the highest quality fabrics and eco-friendly inks. We aim to create premium apparel that elevates self-expression and provides unparalleled comfort.
Tell us about yourself
I've always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I was inspired to start my own business because I was active in the rave scene. I saw a huge opportunity in the rave community for an accessible, stylish, and affordable fashion brand that could capture the spirit of the music festival experience. Seeing people energized by our designs motivated me to keep going and push forward each day with new ideas, products, and collaborations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I started, I was selling merchandise out of the trunk of my car. Now, I have two clothing businesses: iHeartRaves and IntotheAM. They're both doing incredibly well, and we have customers from all over the world. Being able to take my passion and turn it into a business that allows me to create jobs and provide quality products for my customers is my greatest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is staying organized and on top of everything. There's so much that needs to be done, from managing staff to working with suppliers, marketing, customer service, etc. It can be overwhelming at times, but I've learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize important tasks over the less urgent ones. It helps me stay focused and productive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your target audience and understand their needs – this will help you create the right product or service that resonates with them.
- Develop a plan and budget ahead of time – it's important to have clear goals, milestones, and timelines for success. This will help keep you on track and ensure that nothing gets forgotten in the process.
- Network, network, network! Building relationships is essential for any business. Make sure to connect with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals who can provide valuable insights and advice as you grow your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.iheartraves.com/
Website: https://www.intotheam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INTOTHEAM/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intotheam/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intotheam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emazingbrian/
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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