VALUES GIVES
MEANING TO LIFE ALICJA WOJCIECHOWSKA, founder of Alles, a Polish lingerie manufacturer, talks to ”Polish Market”. Alles inspires women not only in Poland but also abroad. The company holds several brands: Mama by Alles, Medibra by Alles and Glamour, which are produced based on the latest fashion trends, using superior technologies. Alles is a family business, guided by such values as honesty, responsibility and respect, which mean that the company is perceived as a luxury brand. Its owners believe that success is a journey, and not a destination. And they never forget about what is most important on the way to success: respect for people, the use of the latest technologies and matching the needs of customers, leading them to opening the new Alles shops.
The company is about to celebrate its 25 years. Are there any reflections you would like to share about it? Transforming a small manufactory in one of the leading companies on the lingerie market is a success story for owners, employees and contractors. We are now present in many countries around the world. We are opening new shops, improving production, repositioning the Alles brand into higher segments of the market; we are creating rewarding jobs, enabling employee development. The most important reflection is that despite the fact that the market is constantly changing its face, especially after the economic transformation, Alles is reinforcing its position, challenging itself, aims as high as possible, confident in success, because dreams and determination are its allies.
Such a conjunction is a gift, although it is not always easy. For me, success is about building a healthy relationship between work and private life, and living in harmony with my values. You cannot afford losing them somewhere in the pursuit of success, because they are too precious.
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What are your business secrets that brought you to the ranking of best lingerie brands? There are a number of factors impacting the ranking of the best lingerie brand. We are not interested in survival, but in development. Besides creativity and intuition, what counts in fashion is dressmaking skills and knowledge of trends. The materials we use are of the highest quality. While drawing conclusions from the observation of customer behaviours, we are reaching out for sales forecasting knowledge and creating customer needs based on market survey. We are now opening the third shop to offer our customers underwear meeting their needs in terms of quality and functionality. In my opinion, only reliable and up-to-date knowledge will allow further brand development towards becoming a fashion creator.
What are the values guiding you in your life and in business? Values give meaning to life. They are a driving force behind action. In my daily life, I do my best to share the good I have, to make sure my family is happy and healthy and smile to people, because it doubles my chances to work honestly and treat people with respect. I am convinced that the greatest form of gratitude is when the word “joy” turns into “thank you.” My personal maxim saved in my secret little notebook is: “I will do everything to make every day inspirational, active, positive for my family, friends, co-workers, for the Lord and with His help.” As Don Sibet once said: “What comes from the heart, touches the heart.” Is it worth living otherwise? PM
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26 polish marketspecial edition 2016
What would you your message to our readers? As Albert Einstein put it, “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” So I am trying to gracefully take everything that life brings and learn to accept it. I believe that the fate will reward me. In my opinion, time is the best adviser and judge. It is everyone’s obligation to make use of his or her talents. I wish you all to be an inspiration for others, I wish you determination in fulfilling your dreams, not least the largest ones, but those that give you joy. Do not forget to celebrate even the smallest events. • PM
You are told to be a warm, unique, warm, positive, inspiring, honest person... Is being in business detrimental to your personality? If fate gives you such personality traits, you should thank and make good use of them. Everyone has his or her own idea of what is really important, but honesty, kindness, positive thinking are the qualities of people with values. My life has not always been colourful, but I am a happy wife, mother, grandmother, a person who will not do a thing without making the heart and the reason work together. PM