MY LIFE: LESSONS LEARNT ON STARTING A BUSINESS

After careful consideration I have decided to cancel my Spring/Summer 2012 launch collection and concentrate on my fall/winter collection for my launch. We are now inJuly already, and I am way too late now to launch for Spring/Summer when the industry is getting ready to release their Fall/Winter collection.

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As a newbie to this textile & design industry, I am still learning a lot as I go. As I am doing everything by myself with no intern, I fell behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances with logistics and dealing with supply and vendors. 

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I now know and understand, that for Spring/Summer 2012 collections for Fashion (or Home), releasing any later than April/May (as i was)  is way too late. The good news is we are in July and I am just in good time to release my Fall/Winter Collection.

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I was kinda disappointed I spent all the money on getting my beautiful spring/summer textile collection produced at the mill, and now I cant launch it because I am way behind on schedule, and I now have to come out of pocket again to get my fall/winter collection produced. My friend adviced me, that the Spring/Summer Collection I got produced, is not a waste and that the collection will still be good to release (and on time) for Spring/Summer 2013. I have learnt this time not to release those later than Apr/May 2013. I guess she is right.

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As a small business owner launching my business, I have learnt sometimes you win sometimes you loose, and it's ok if you go through hurdles, but always remember, there is no need to be hard on yourself. Just get up, brush it off your shoulders and keep moving. This industry is rough and many who are already in, are not willing to advice you let alone share any information with you - but that is OK. I have had many rejections & silent treatment from designers, top bloggers etc I have reached out to for simple advice. Nonetheless I am still very positive and optimistic that everything will work itself out in the long run and my launch will be fabulous.
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Advice to any new entrepreneur in the home textiles (or fashion industry), learn the industry calendar and plan alongside these dates for your releases. Be prepared for some disappointment from vendors & suppliers and plan way ahead with your lead time, so just in case one or two are not able to meet your set deadlines - you are still good on your schedule/timeline. 
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I have also learnt that, timing is everything in this industry, and you cannot do everything by yourself - so don't spread yourself too thin.  An intern always helps, and this is why I am now putting more effort in finding one soon. Wish me luck.