chpter. champions
chpter. Champions is the official chpter. podcast where successful entrepreneurs and e-commerce experts share their experiences and practical advice for growing their businesses online. Each week, hosts Tesh Mbaabu and Mark Kiarie invite successful founders to share their inspirational stories.
chpter. is an African technology company. We enable businesses who sell through social platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to manage their inventory across multiple channels, collect orders and payments seamlessly and grow their revenues through better customer engagement.
chpter. champions
#018 Josh of ArtFit | How Josh almost went bankrupt and had to sell his assets to pay salaries.
In this episode Josh discusses his entrepreneurial journey with Artfit, a Kenyan streetwear brand, highlighting challenges, growth, and insights into fashion business dynamics.
Highlights
🌟 Artfit’s rapid growth in just three years reflects effective branding and community engagement.
📈 The importance of sales over marketing is emphasized in building a sustainable fashion business.
🤝 Building a dedicated team was crucial for managing production and customer service effectively.
💡 Learning from mistakes, such as overstaffing, shaped better business decisions and strategies.
🌍 Josh envisions a thriving local fashion ecosystem, aspiring to elevate Kenyan brands on a global scale.
🎨 Creativity in garment design is essential for establishing a unique identity in the saturated fashion market.
📱 Leveraging social media and influencer marketing has been key in driving brand awareness and sales.
Key Insights
🛠️ Sales vs. Marketing: Understanding that sales and marketing serve different purposes is vital. While marketing creates awareness, sales is about converting that awareness into revenue. Having a dedicated sales strategy can significantly boost business performance.
📊 Learning from Failures: Mistakes are inevitable in entrepreneurship. Josh’s experience shows that reflecting on failures allows for growth and the development of more robust business practices, ultimately leading to success.
👥 Team Dynamics: Building a capable team is essential for scaling a business. Delegating responsibilities allows for better focus on growth and innovation, which is particularly important in a creative industry like fashion.
🌱 Community Engagement: Engaging with the community and involving them in the brand’s narrative can enhance loyalty and drive sales. Offering products to influencers and friends can create organic word-of-mouth promotion.
🌈 Vision for the Future: Having a clear vision, like establishing a local fashion week, can guide business decisions and inspire growth. This vision can also attract like-minded individuals to your brand.
🧵 Creative Control: Maintaining control over the design and production processes empowers brands to create unique products that resonate with their audience, setting them apart in a competitive market.
📱 Digital Presence: In today’s market, a robust digital presence is crucial. Utilizing social media platforms enhances brand visibility and facilitates direct communication with customers, ultimately driving sales.