Planning before doing: We sat down and started to think about what kind of services and products we would want to buy, how we could be different and incorporated those ideas into a practical business model. Next, we did a bit of research into the logistics of our particular business and met with photo labs, box makers and other distributors to make sure that we could supply our customers with the things they need. Learning from others:
We kind of just took the plunge and hoped we were doing things correctly. We learned quickly from other business people we met and changed things that we were doing wrong, and we continued to do things we were doing right. Nagging fears:
I think letting people down was a big fear that I had. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be good enough and we wouldn’t get any customers. Happy customers:
Since day one, we’ve always looked forward to making the customer happy. I remember I was extremely nervous the first time I ever showed a client a finished product and their reaction was leaps and bounds above whatever I was expecting. It makes you feel like a million bucks when you exceed someone’s expectations.
Damond Curry “Speedy” 33, Ophicial Clothing Company Then and now: I’ve been creating and selling clothing, mainly for extreme sports since June 2008. Before that I worked for three years as a sales associate at a motorcycle shop. Shop till you drop: My clothing is available at Impact Street Wear in the Valley Plaza Mall or online at ophicialwear.com. Others are doing it, so why not me?
Other big clothing companies out there constantly put out good artwork for the world to see and so can I. Challenges galore:
Finding a good artist is always a challenge. The hardest part is getting a no-name brand to go main-stream. Faith in one’s self: Knowing that I have what it takes to make my brand the next big name keeps me motivated. Giving 110 percent: If you want to start a business, you need to put both feet in the game or stay on the sideline. Three steps to success:
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Photo by Michael Fagans
First I started off with trying to find shops that are able to do what I envisioned. Next was finding an artist that can take you to the next level. And, lastly, you need to be prepared and know it’s not going to happen over night. Trial and error: I had no one to teach me the do’s and don’ts. I just had to learn on my own. I'm still learning, but it makes me a more rounded person knowing all the levels that it takes to get where it has to be. No regrets: Everything happens for a reason. Changing my troubles could take away the knowledge that I have learned over the past three years. Damond Curry bakersfieldlife.com
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