Small Business Development Armidale NSW
Today we are sharing the story of CREAM, a clothing brand founded by Ada from Armidale.
As a stay-at-home mum, starting up her own business had always been on Ada’s mind, however she didn’t know where to start. With support from Many Rivers, Ada officially launched her brand in July 2019.
“Natalie rings to see how I am going, if I need extra help with anything. We have little giggles and laughs. It’s not just a business call, it’s also like a friendship call.”
The business is going well and growing through word of mouth. Ada is now exploring other ways to grow her brand and the ultimate goal is to open her own shop.
Enjoy Ada’s story.
The business idea
It’s a clothing brand called CREAM, short for Cash Rules Everything Around Me. I do everything from shirts, singlets, jumpers, shorts, trackies and hats. I’m also about to do socks. I’ve done it since July last year and it’s going pretty good. So many people have bought my stuff and they love it. It’s mainly through word of mouth but there’s a plan through Renew Armidale for an indigenous pop-up shop which I would love to do. There’s also a shop in town which offered to sell some of my things which I’ll take up when I have more stock.
Starting a business had been on my mind for a while now but I didn’t know where to start. I was a stay at home mum before. I spoke to Kirby Mills (Aboriginal Business Advisor) and she helped me get a business number then referred me to Natalie (Moree MEDM) around August.
Growing with Many Rivers
Many Rivers stays on you and it’s not once in a blue moon. Natalie rings to see how I am going, if I need extra help with anything. She does alright communication wise. We have little giggles and laughs. It’s not just a business call, it’s also like a friendship call. It’s good. Sometimes I do need that extra bit of questions. I also have new questions for Natalie too and she helps me with what she can.
Natalie also gave me a business pack and helped me with cashflow and recordkeeping. It’s helped me to understand these things and if I was to extend my business, I can teach my employees what to do, how to do it and when to do it. I have lots of little cousins and a stepson in Year 9 who’s really interested in the business. My stepson is creative and gives me little ideas and possible new designs on clothes.
Many Rivers helped me with a business loan just to start up. I had stuff roughly made from my savings already so when I got the loan, I got extra hats, hoodies and trackies to basically expand my range.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge has been just getting to a place where I can buy in bulk and also managing cashflow.
Biggest success
Just owning my brand. Knowing that it’s mine and no one can take that. That’s something I really love. As soon as my brand certificate arrived in the mail, I laminated it and put it up. No one can use it, copy it and it can’t be stolen.
Future goal
Employing and owning my own shop. The biggest success is to come. If it does take off, it won’t be so much like Adidas or Nike but it’ll hit high notes and be available in different towns.
Thanks for sharing your story Ada, we know there are many other people out there looking to take the next step of setting and we know your story will inspire.
We want to encourage more and more people to take that first step towards building on their business ideas. We’re here to support you the whole way. Please take the Small Business Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.
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