Recently, I received some interesting information from a small business owner who is pursuing his passion, and thought I would share his tips with you. Meet Shy Figaro, a successful, high-end fashion designer and entrepreneur.
Tell us about your business and why you started it.
I’m fascinated about beauty and elegance, and believe that fashion is a form or art that does come from within. My very first piece of SHY FIGARO (www.shyfigaro.com) was first worn by Coco, the wife of actor/legend artist Ice-T. I recently designed an upscale casual line named TRIVIA (www.triviafashion.com).
I started designing after I saw how much money my girlfriend then spent on clothes with un-hip styles… so I thought I could design better. And I did as a joke, but I never thought I would become a fashion designer. I competed and won the state and national competition in fashion design in Anaheim, California with a jean that I designed called, “The Naughty Pants”.
But I started taking fashion designing more seriously and utilized it as a path to success to where people would see my true talents and knowledge as oppose to my skin color – after I got infuriated at my acting agents for always casting me in parts for a pimp, gangster, homeless, or a drug dealer.
How long have you had your business and what do you think is the main secret to your success?
I established my business in 2001. The main secret for my success is believing and being passionate about my products. �
What have been your most successful PR and marketing activities to increase sales and why?
I used many Internet network community sites to talk about my product, and I did a major fashion show to increase the buzz. But most of all, I advertise my own line by wearing it out in the public where people can see and feel my product and ask questions.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs just starting out?
Just apply my PCP rule!
1. Passionate about what you do.
2. Learn to take Criticism but don’t let it break you.
3. Use the negative to a Positive to improve.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, be yourself…
Thanks for your great insights Shy! For more information about Shy’s clothing line, visit www.shyfigaro.com.
And if you’d like some free tips and advice on how to build buzz for your business, please write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!
