Victorian-meets-mod with lots of color.” Sinrod brings a fresh “pop” to spring with a collection Women’s Wear Daily touted as “bright, high-waisted and silk skirts with pockets.”
Name: Smith Sinrod
Company: By Smith
website: www.bysmithcollection.com
blog: www.bysmithcollection.blogspot.com
Hometown: Pensacola, Florida
Current City: Atlanta, Georgia
Educational Background: The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Graduation Date: May 9th, 2009
Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences
Major: Apparel and Textiles Design
Favorite Food: Thai
Blackbery or iPhone: Blackberry
Favorite vacation spot: Florence, Italy
Favorite thing to do when you’re not working:
When I am not working I like to spend time with my friends and family, travel, and cook
How’d you get your start?
I made a business plan before I graduated from college and started researching the initial steps on starting a clothing line. While designing my first collection, I started setting up meetings with potential manufacturers in Bangkok, Thailand. I went to Bangkok the week after my graduation and stayed over there for a month meeting with different companies until I found a source that provided a quality sample. From there I had them create my first set of samples which I started showing to boutiques around the southeast when I returned. I opened my first account in July of 2009 and within 1 year of business I am now selling my collection to 40+ accounts.
How long have you been in business with your current venture?
Since July, 2009
10 years ago, if someone told you that you would be an entrepreneur, would you believe them?
Yes I would because as a teenager I already knew I wanted to start my own line and have always been very interestd in fashion. I started sketching different clothing designs as a child.
What do you look forward to most about each day?
I love waking up knowing that I am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do and I am getting a positive reaction from my target customers.
Do you think that you were born to be an entrepreneur, or did you just learn the ways of being an entrepreneur?
I think I was born to be an entrepreneur because I have always had an inner drive to get the most out of my experiences and I am not scared of taking risks. So far going with my intial feeling on business decisions has led me in the right direction thus far.
How do you define success?
There are many factors that define success in the fashion industry. First and foremost I consider success as getting your target customer to respond to your brand. Also, establishing a certain look is important so people know its a certain brand without checking the label, to me that’s success. And of course- getting people to buy your clothes is key!
What newspapers, magazines, blogs, or websites do you read on a regular basis?
I read WWD (Women’s Wear Daily), Vogue, and Wall Street Journal
What is the most creative marketing technique you have ever used to get you or your company some publicity?
To be honest my facebook fanpage and my blog have really helped my brand grow tremendously. My collection was also featured on MTV’s fashion forward reality show, ”The City, June 15th, 2010” which was wonderful exposure.
What trait about yourself do you attribute to your entrepreneurial success?
I have always been very organized and I am a hard worker that applies pressure on myself to do my best work.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Owning a business is a roller coaster, but even with the ups and downs- never give up! If it were easy, everyone would do it!
