Quest for the perfect atelier space

Be prepared for the long story. Our search for a new place began early this year. It was a eventful but also difficult year for us. We spent alot of resources on our ETERNITY fashion and art showcase at ION Orchard which grew bigger than expected and even had the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary of MICA turned up as Guests of Honour. Then there was the Opening of our new brand corner at Parco. And our invitation to Bangkok by the Royal Thai Embassy to represent Singapore in an opening fashion show at one of their important trade events.

After this, we were approached by a powerful shopping centre operator to open a 1200sqf flagship store at one of their Orchard Road's glitzy properties. Talks went on for a trying 4-5 months with many roller coaster developments. The staff got so excited about the idea of Fuchsia Lane at Orchard Rd. But we are just a growing designer and lacked the financial resources of a chain store to invest the kind of money. But they had faith in us and we were given "false" hopes that things will work out. But at the very last minute before we signed on the dotted line, I was given a shock to deliver a HUGE deposit.A deposit that will paralyse our operations. So I even went to approach their CEO and appealed for my situation. They asked us to moved to another location if we couldnt pay the deposit. Sadly it didnt work out and we wasted 5 months.

Then I considered extending our lease next year at Red Dot but perhaps was fate. Someone beat us to it. Another tenant quickly signed their lives away to our unit. So we were on another search. At that point, I was quite depressed. And I walked around the neighbourhood. Well we chanced upon a shophouse unit at Duxton Road.

The street was quiet and we were told the road used to be sleazy and people shun it. But the rent was relatively ok given its space and I thought serenity was a plus point. Talks went on for 2 weeks and things seem to be moving fast. And I thought maybe finally I will have my place afterall. I brought my staff to see the place and they were quite happy with it. But 2 days after the letter of intent was sent to us by the landlord, the landlord changed his mind and decided not to rent to us! I couldn't believe it happened to me then. He said he wanted to renovate it and could rent it out at a higher price. Well good luck to him! I feel many business folks now do not have much integrity. Sadly..

By this time, I had felt very tired and beaten. I thought is this a trial? The searching of places and the negotiations and the roller coaster effect on emotions were a toil to one physically and mentally. Well, on the very next day, I called up agents one by one I could find on internet and asked for a space in the neighbourhood. But either they were not ideal (as my customers wouldnt like to go) or they were too expensive. So I started walking from Bukit Pasoh to Keong Saik to Craig to Duxton to Tanjong Pagar to Southbridge Road to North Canal to Boat Quay IN ONE DAY, looking at shophouses one by one. Those that had "rental banners" hanging outside. I quickly called the agent to ask for pricing. I fell sick from heat stroke the same night and was down for 2 days.

Then I found my current unit at Tanjong Pagar Road. Well but nothing goes smooth. This time round I decided not to tell anyone till I sign on the dotted line. It is like carrying a baby to term. Better not tell at premature stages. Well talks went on for another 3 weeks with the "ping ponging" of contracts here and there. And at the beginning the contract was so "scary" that my lawyer once commented it look like a loan shark agreement. And I had to put my negotiation skills to test.

Finally after 3 weeks, we inked the deal. And the rest is history. The rent is as much times more at Red Dot as the space is. Some of my friends asked if I could cope. Well in business sometimes you have to take that leap of faith and I had customers who reassured me they will follow me whereever I go. Comforting! And there was G. I could only work hard, design more clothes (the best part I like), serve my customers with all my heart and leave the rest to the higher powers above.