Read the article below about the founder of Savvy Style explains why it pays to be prudent, by Shreena Patel Hong Kong Living.
How did Savvy Style come about?
As an international fashion designer I had to travel a lot. I wanted to spend more time with my family and less in an aeroplane. At the time, there weren't any image advisers around and it was the perfect blend of doing what I loved most - fashion, style and helping people - in a new career.
What is the most important thing to consider when starting a business?
You need to love what you do because you will be working seven days a week. I thought I would have more time with my family when I started my business but when you work for yourself, you have to work twice as hard.
What is your main motto in business?
This is my parents' motto but it works for me too. "Find something you love to do everyday and then figure out a way to get paid for it."
What was your first business venture?
When I was 15, I put an advert in a newspaper to sell clothes: US$3 for a tailor made skirt, US$ 4-5 for culottes and US$ 5 for a dress. I started making prom gowns for US$25 when I was 16 and that was the beginning of my career.
Who is your inspiration?
Donna Karen, who was at Parsons School of Design while I was there and whose talent and drive were clear to see. Even then, we all knew she would be a success. Also, Ralph Lauren, who was a tutor at Parsons and whose ability to create a business around a concept I admire; Allan Zeman, my favorite boss, who makes a success out of everything he does; and my husband David Lindsay, who starts everyday with a smile.
How much is in your wallet right now?
$ 385. Who needs cash these days?
Are you a spender or a saver?
I save so I can spend.
What was your best investment?
Buying my first flat in Hong Kong in 1986.
What is the best frugal thing you have ever bought?
My first sewing machine which I bought used for US$ 9.95 when i was 12 years old.
How much did you earn last year?
Are you kidding? Do you honestly think I am going to tell you that?
When were you poorest?
My sister, Annie, and I had a maternity business in New York called Annie Had A Baby. I designed the clothes; Annie had the babies and did the selling. We were very successful but one season the factory we used damaged an entire season's worth of clothing by using bad needles. Eventually it closed us down. It was soul destroying but I learnt a valuable lesson; never underestimate the importance of quality control and check everything. Don't expect others to do it for you.
What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?
My vintage little red convertible MGB.
What was your worst investment?
My vintage little red convertible MGB.
What was your best paid work?
Funnily enough, it was my best unpaid work. I did a job with a company that went belly-up and couldn't pay me. Instead, they offered my family a week in a gorgeous flat on the beach in Surfer's Paradise, Australia, with a car. It was much better than getting paid in cash.
Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?
Save, save, save. Teach them young to save a portion of their allowance or any income they get, even their lai see. For example, tell them to put one-quarter into savings, give one-quarter to charity and spend the rest. A good trick is to have them draw a picture of something they want and stick it on a jar. They will watch the jar fill up and, once full, they can use the money to buy the desired item. It's easy to give your children money but it is not necessarily the best thing for them. Teach them to earn money doing something they love and they will grow into happy, responsible adults.
www.savvystyle.com
How did Savvy Style come about?
As an international fashion designer I had to travel a lot. I wanted to spend more time with my family and less in an aeroplane. At the time, there weren't any image advisers around and it was the perfect blend of doing what I loved most - fashion, style and helping people - in a new career.
What is the most important thing to consider when starting a business?
You need to love what you do because you will be working seven days a week. I thought I would have more time with my family when I started my business but when you work for yourself, you have to work twice as hard.
What is your main motto in business?
This is my parents' motto but it works for me too. "Find something you love to do everyday and then figure out a way to get paid for it."
What was your first business venture?
When I was 15, I put an advert in a newspaper to sell clothes: US$3 for a tailor made skirt, US$ 4-5 for culottes and US$ 5 for a dress. I started making prom gowns for US$25 when I was 16 and that was the beginning of my career.
Who is your inspiration?
Donna Karen, who was at Parsons School of Design while I was there and whose talent and drive were clear to see. Even then, we all knew she would be a success. Also, Ralph Lauren, who was a tutor at Parsons and whose ability to create a business around a concept I admire; Allan Zeman, my favorite boss, who makes a success out of everything he does; and my husband David Lindsay, who starts everyday with a smile.
How much is in your wallet right now?
$ 385. Who needs cash these days?
Are you a spender or a saver?
I save so I can spend.
What was your best investment?
Buying my first flat in Hong Kong in 1986.
What is the best frugal thing you have ever bought?
My first sewing machine which I bought used for US$ 9.95 when i was 12 years old.
How much did you earn last year?
Are you kidding? Do you honestly think I am going to tell you that?
When were you poorest?
My sister, Annie, and I had a maternity business in New York called Annie Had A Baby. I designed the clothes; Annie had the babies and did the selling. We were very successful but one season the factory we used damaged an entire season's worth of clothing by using bad needles. Eventually it closed us down. It was soul destroying but I learnt a valuable lesson; never underestimate the importance of quality control and check everything. Don't expect others to do it for you.
What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?
My vintage little red convertible MGB.
What was your worst investment?
My vintage little red convertible MGB.
What was your best paid work?
Funnily enough, it was my best unpaid work. I did a job with a company that went belly-up and couldn't pay me. Instead, they offered my family a week in a gorgeous flat on the beach in Surfer's Paradise, Australia, with a car. It was much better than getting paid in cash.
Do you have any advice on teaching children about money?
Save, save, save. Teach them young to save a portion of their allowance or any income they get, even their lai see. For example, tell them to put one-quarter into savings, give one-quarter to charity and spend the rest. A good trick is to have them draw a picture of something they want and stick it on a jar. They will watch the jar fill up and, once full, they can use the money to buy the desired item. It's easy to give your children money but it is not necessarily the best thing for them. Teach them to earn money doing something they love and they will grow into happy, responsible adults.
www.savvystyle.com
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