Rawson tests waters with on-line fashion shop
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday January 30, 2017 13:31
The 27-years-old operate an online clothing business called BEST Friends Fashion, which recently launched a brand called Queens Ambassador.
Apart from being a determined businesswoman, Rawson is a happily married and proud mother of one. In an interview with Business Monitor, Rawson said that BEST Friends Fashion is a clothing business, which mostly specialises in the selling of sneakers.
“We sell different type of sneakers like Jordan sneakers but preferably by customers choice,” she said. Rawson added that they want to expand the business by designing and branding their own clothing and as of now they have launched t-shirts and caps as their own merchandise.
She further said that she started the clothing business because of the eagerness she had for fashion, especially shoes.
“I started the business two years ago and before that I used to purchase and sell shoddy unbranded clothes which devalued my business,” she said. She added that the need to improve her life status encouraged her to venture into business. The self-driven entrepreneur said that she has always been a mover and shaker through her creativity and innovation.
“After completing my studies I realised that I can’t expect a job to land on my lap anytime soon with the unemployment crisis heating up. So I took matters into my own hands, to stand and do something about my situation,” she said.
She elaborated that her business is an online-based business with two agents in the country who assist with one-on-one encounters with the clients and distribution. She added that the sales agents carry most of their work digitally by using different social media platforms.
Rawson said that the business is at its peak, but they are still facing some difficulties.
She noted funding as one of the challenges, which hinders them from expanding their business across the country.
“For a business that has been solely put together by one individual without any business academic qualifications, I would say we are thriving,” she said.
She added that she does not have any business qualification as she has an Associate Degree in Broadcasting (Radio and Television) from Limkokwing University of Creative and Innovative Technology (LUCT).
Rawson disclosed that the other challenge they come across is running an online store.“It’s hard to convince Batswana that we are genuine since they are not yet familiar with online buying,” she said.
She revealed that they purchase some of their products from South Africa and China. She urged young entrepreneurs to find something they are passionate about and work like a slave. “Running a business is tough but if you commit yourself to it you will be a happy chap,” Rawson said.