Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vince Guo, Founder of Renewt Technical Apparel Specialist, located in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Renewt is a Vancouver-based apparel service factory specializing in technical outdoor apparel repair, alteration, customization, and prototyping services. We are more specialized than your regular tailors. The repair and tailoring of technical clothing require not only sewing skills but also an in-depth understanding of advanced apparel construction technics such as fabric bonding and seam taping to make sure your garments stay waterproof. All outdoor enthusiasts who want to save their damaged gears or want a better fit are all our customers.

Tell us about yourself

I was part of a waste management project team in my previous technical apparel company. I learned that waterproof fabric is like plastic; there is no better way to recycle them fully. Repairing the damaged clothing to extend their life might be the best way to save waste textile from landfills at this moment, so I am happy to utilize my technical apparel production knowledge to start a business that has an environmental benefit.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We started right before the COVID-19 pandemic. As a new start-up in a niche market, not too many people knew their outdoor gear could be repaired, and outdoor activity was restricted at that time. It was really tough at the beginning, but I feel my biggest accomplishment so far is to keep this business alive, create several job positions, and grow my customers by five times in the 2nd year

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Different from working at a company. As a business owner now, I am responsible for several people that trust me and build this business with me. The hardest thing for me is always to make the right decision to keep the business growing.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

When you have a passion for starting a business, just do it! It is fun, and you will learn a lot.

Prepare for failure and don’t expect you will earn a profit right away, the first year we didn’t pay ourselves, 2nd year I only paid myself half of my previous salary, we keep cash in the business to grow it.

Bring in partners is very helpful, but not too many. They must have the same vision and better have different skill sets from you

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://renewt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renewtrepair/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renewtrepair/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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