My environment is surrounded by young families, entrepreneurs, fashion & art people, or even just regular people. Me? I'm any of those above. I'm a mom, a wife, a daughter, an entrepreneur, art enthusiast and this undeniable love and passion for fashion. Trying to live as a regular person. That's the thing.
I know what I like since before I went to kindergarten. Art. Mom always found me having fun by myself playing dress-up with Barbie and PaperDolls. I told my mom which clothes to wear to party to which dolls, which one for picnic, and so on.
I also admire how Lego can build something out of nothing.
I draw a lot on computer's printer paper. Do you remember the one that have holes on their side? like accounting papers? I even made some puzzles on it. Draw something first, make a trace, cut it then put it back again. I have lots of coloring book.
I love to read. Comic and novels. Both create imagination. Comics taught me to draw better and novels eager me to write better grammars, words and thought. That leads me to learn English. My dad strongly said that english is really important for my future. I did, and my dad is never wrong.
I know what I want to be since maybe 8 years old. A fashion designer. People making fun of me. They think it's weird. So I change my wannabes...I wanna be this I wanna be that. But my heart won't lie... I love drawing and create things. My highest score in school is only at Art and English. I'm no good at science, social, history or stuff. It never tickles my interest.
I never stop thanking God that I've been given such wonderful and understanding parents. I went to college twice of my choice and I enjoy my every time. Fashion Design and Fashion Business. I learned a lot and it really support my career. My dad told me to start my own business right away but the young me isn't that brave so then I work in a few places-all related to Fashion.
I once an intern in a teen and music magazine. I report, I write small articles, meet new people, do a bit styling.
I was a Visual Merchandiser too once in a Department Store.
I was a Junior Designer and Assistant Merchandiser for Kids Apparel in a garment.
I did some wardrobe for some tv commercials.
My best working experience is.. I was an Assistant Designer in Bali. Great salary, great environment, most important.. Greatest Boss :) typing this makes me think about him and how I miss the office.
I get married in between time and by the 2nd year of marriage I got pregnant and have to quit my job. I feel really terrible and sorry for my two kind boss. I disappoint them. But as much as I wanted to stay there longer, I always think how many more years will I work for someone else? Is money really all I need? Can I commit to time and rules, regulation? I have my lovely supportive husband that is always open for me. I told him my passion is to create a small fashion business. I want to be an entrepreneur like what my dad ask me to, I think working for people regularly is enough. I have to start somewhere, somehow. So I started my 1979 business on my 26th birthday: May 2010. Never too late, no? :)
I'm still an employee at that time. Bali really open my eyes. The people and environment in Bali taught me not to always chase money and be greedy. Remember your God, family, and friends. Love and respect yourself. Be passionate. Living in the city like Jakarta too long creates a money-oriented person, obsessive, ambitious, and stuff. I found peace in Bali. Those foreigners are very chill out, surf and business can go at the same time. All have to be balanced. Money, pleasure, life.. You just have to keep your passion and integrity.
Then I go back to Jakarta. I'm shocked how fast and greedy people can be. Money, money, money! Malls! No beaches, gardens.. all is so urbanized. What urban people wants is just recognition, power, and so on. Angry heads and faces. So sickening. That time I promise to stick to my old-self: being true, full of integrity, passionate, artsy, and come in peace. Sounds like a war, no? But really. That simple stuff is what people really need. Besides our own beliefs of course. Money, success, anything that you wanted to be, there's always a good way to get into it.
That's how I treat my brand. It's not a huge one I know. Yet. I start it small and full of love, dreams, support that I can't imagine. Even though I change my mind a lot and got confused here and there, I still want this brand to stay and happen. I'll never leave it. My heart and soul is here. Every single piece is me. It's like my girls :') Slowly but sure 1979 is sold online and off line store at Bandung, Yogya, and Surabaya. Of course I still want more. I'm getting there, you see. I do research here and there, but really, I'm not a person that talks much. I just remain silent. All I know is I'm doing what I'm passionate about by myself, makes everything so meaningful.
Then I see my surroundings. Everybody starts to pay no respect for original stuff. Feels like they just do it to chase the money. They sell stuff like crazy. With drama, no responsibility, don't know what they're doing. This culture is sickening. Do you know that this is not a trend? I know people like me who do things whole-heartedly with our own blood, sweat and tears. I stand for that. I just hope people realize and serious about this. Copycats is not cool. There is a line between inspired and copying. Good luck :)
For me success is to be gained not to be showed-off. Let people judge by themselves. No need to say and brag "hey I make this $$$ you know? OMG my customer is soooo many everywhere!!!" ok missy we know. So what? Then if you have an employee, or even a hundred, please respect them. Yes they work for you and you pay them, but really, what will you do without them? Shouting at them saying nasty words will just broke their heart. If they're smarter than you, why would they bother to work for you? I saw this a lot with my own eyes. "I paid her!!" ok, money again. That must be the only thing matters to you, yes? Also remember they're only human. They need their rights, space, time, family, friends. Employee is not dedicated 24/7 only for you! They have other stuff to do too besides working. Please, behave, if you want to call yourself a so-called-boss.
Or the seller who force you to buy their stuff in a cruel appropriate way? Hey dear there's a thing called "Appropriate Marketing" thank you so much.
I'm thankful for everything as I do my business mostly all by myself with lots of support from parents and husband and help from outsources. Less fuss, less drama.
Oh my god did I just write down a Harry Potter sequel? What a post! Next time I'll write about my social life..how I deal with some different world :)
Bye!
Oh my god did I just write down a Harry Potter sequel? What a post! Next time I'll write about my social life..how I deal with some different world :)
Bye!
