Category: Clothes
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Expand your small business gradually
Turning a hobby into a retirement business “This is just a way to pass my old age.” Salim Buang is in his 60s and turned his hobby into a small business after getting retrenched during the 2008 economic crisis. His shop feels like a treasure trove of wooden crafts, jewellery, and collectable items that he…
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Taking Stock
“I used to work in an electronics factory and it was exhausting. We had to stand all day at the assembly line, and our eyes got tired from using the microscope. We manufactured parts for cameras and printers. Then one day my friend said: why don’t we do this business? So I said: okay” To…
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The sole of business
In a culture where it is common to buy and throw things away at an increasing rate—phones, friends, furniture—Chia Chong Sin is in the business of preservation. His work reminds us that there are more to material things than their monetary value, and that another value—sentimental value—still matters. His trade is not just about reviving…
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Everyday is a new day
Nova is a shopkeeper at Lexington Market in Baltimore. He shares his advice for dealing with the vagaries of business. “Every day is a new day! Don’t be discouraged. Just because something didn’t go right one day doesn’t mean it won’t go right tomorrow. Come back, and try again.”
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Embracing serendipity, and other tips for running a retail business
“One woman, one mid-life divorce, one teenage child, one personal makeover, one day at a time, making it all work on one world wide media web, connecting all the dots.” Your curiosity can fuel a business Entering into Caravanserai is like stepping into a global village where your senses will be tantalized by the artistry…
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His-Story of the USA
Christian is a walking Wikipedia! He can narrate the historical context for everything in his shop like a true storyteller. His journey in the antique industry began in his 20s when he got hooked on the history of art while helping his father. “My dad collected a lot of Japanese art, so I would research…
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Boutique Bus-iness
While chatting with Stacey Chambers, it was priceless to see people’s expressions as they boarded her bus. Their eyes invariably lit up as soon as they caught sight of the interior design. “Ohmygod, this is sooo cute!” “You mean the clothes are IN the bus?! I love it!” “Wow!” [speechless joy] Stacey came up with a unique…
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Silk Shop
“Silk is cooling in hot weather, and keeps you warm in cold weather. Polyester resembles silk, but it doesn’t have the same effect.” Did you know that silk has some unique properties? Unlike other fabrics like cotton or wool, silk is made from a continuous fibre that gives it a smooth and luxurious feel. This…
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Wearing Many Hats
The journey of life is unpredictable. Haji Bakar Bin Kahar used to be a fisherman for many years until he started working at an oil refinery in Singapore. Now at 82 years, he helps his daughter out with her boutique. He owns 40 songkoks (traditional hats) to match his clothes, and earned the honorary title ‘Haji’…
Shopkeeper Stories 