Hi All business owners. I'm hoping some of you can give me some advise on your small business making it big. Sorry if this post is waffely, it's late and I've been working for a few hours and have square eyes. Anyway, I've come to ask you all for some wisdom as I am out of my depth here.
Some background on me and my small business. I'm a fashion designer and make and sell clothes. I have been at it for about 9 months now. I have no formal training in fashion design or business, and am self taught. My business began with me selling thrifted clothes. I had success selling on instagram, and built my business up, putting a lot of effort into creating a brand. I then started upcycling clothes, and creating my own designs, selling them through my instagram. I havent got a webisite yet and am still establishing myself and my brand.
Recently I was approached by a business? (not sure what to call them) that houses African designers and gives them an international platform. An acquaintance of mine gave them my details, and they contacted me, interested in seeing my designs. We had a first meeting for them to come and view my work, and they really liked my designs and want to move forward.
Moving forward, as they explained, would mean sending my designs off to the CMTs to be mass manufactured, then distributed and sold all over the world. They talked about funding it, and they have all the connections.
The first meeting was very overwhelming for me, and nothing was set in stone. Tomorrow (in 12 hours time) I am meeting with them to move things forward. What questions should I ask them? I want to protect myself and my designs. I don't want to be taken advantage of by the big guys, because I don't know any better. This could be a great opportunity for me and my brand, but i want to go into it asking the right questions.
Please help! Any advise would be greatly appreciated
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