Young entrepreneur trades rags for riches
Dynamic, young entrepreneur Alex Franklin co-founded a custom branded clothing company after finishing university.
Today multi-award winning A.M. Custom Clothing provides a range of high quality custom branded products for the b2b sector ranging from micro SMEs to large multinationals, schools, colleges, universities and across the public sector.
In a recent interview with new online business incubator My Incubator Ventures Alex Franklin revealed what inspired him to get started.
“I started running a fashion brand following university,” said Alex, “but it quickly became apparent my products were in demand in the b2b space. I teamed up with Mike Williams and we created a fast growing successful company.”
Alex identified a gap in the market for custom made, branded clothing products and was confident that the company could provide better print and product quality as well as the most sustainable products on the market.
“I had businesses approach me while running the fashion brand,’ he explained, “So, I had dealt in a similar market prior. However before that I had no experience in fashion or business, having studied graphic design.”
A.M. Custom Clothing started on a complete shoestring, with no financial support, but grew rapidly in a lean, scaleable way.
When quizzed about what motivated him to take on the challenge of starting his own business Alex revealed: “What inspired me was a desire to do things better, and not the 9-5 working life. I’m a creative at heart, although I like to be actively involved in all areas of the business.”
Alex revealed his belief that “you don’t become an entrepreneur as such, it’s a mind-set certain people have.”
He wanted to make a difference and have control over his future. Running a business achieved this though he admits that his biggest hurdle from the start has been his relatively young age.
“People assume as a young person I lack experience. However our global client base and awards has allowed us to overcome this issue
“What makes me most proud is the fact we are a company that is actually having a positive impact. We focus on people, the planet and profit.”
He believes other young entrepreneurs should follow their passions but prepare for potential setbacks. “It’s by no stretch easy, but if you are tenacious and driven, go for it.
“You need to either fail or succeed fast as you don’t want to put years into something that doesn't work.”
And for those who are successful he advises: “Ensure that the business is scaleable to cater for that success.”
For more insights into the mind of the entrepreneur follow @MyIncVentures where different entrepreneurs will be interviewed every Thursday at 12pm using the hashtag #MIVReveals
For more information visit www.miventures.co.uk
Media contact for My Incubator Ventures:
Paul Maguire
paul.maguire@magnitepr.com
T: 01438 791029 or M: 07947 799651
About My Incubator Ventures
My Incubator Ventures (MIV) is a subsidiary of business enterprise agency Wenta. Wenta was founded in 1983 to encourage business start-ups and to support small businesses in South and West Hertfordshire. Wenta is now the largest enterprise agency in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and second largest in the Eastern region. Wenta’s advisory team works in partnership with The Prince’s Trust and Job Centre Plus.
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