Dear SmallBiz,

This is my problem. Last year, two of my friends and I, upon leaving university, decided to start a small fashion business.

We have already registered the business and have done most of the little stuff, for example, creating the logo, the business cards, building the site, and the all- important networking. So persons are quite aware of who we are, and are looking forward to our launch. Where we find it difficult though, is regarding financing.

We would like to do some projects this year to take us to the next level, but are at a loss as to how to attract investors, or even get a loan. With monthly bills and student-loan repayments, we never seem to have enough money left over to inject into the business. So, quite frankly, we are without collateral and capital.

Should we give up on our idea, or is there some way for us to get that much-needed capital for what we think is a brilliant idea? And are there investors who are willing to wait at least a year for returns on their investment?

- Eager anticipation

Dear Eager,

You will find all the advice you need on getting your business off the ground - including finding capital and technical training in sewing, design and marketing - at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) in Kingston.

Members of the fashion cluster in this body have greater access to financing and grants than if they were small entities operating on their own.

This week, we offer you the story of Audrey Wedderburn Grace, 43-year-old fashion designer who has chosen niche designing as her path to success.

In early 2009 - after years of working primarily for others - Grace decided to join the JBDC fashion cluster and as a result, has been receiving publicity and support for her designs for the full-figured woman.

"I have been in fashion for quite a while, but it was not something that I always did consistently, but it was my love," Grace told SmallBiz: Problem Centre.

"I loved designing, making my own patterns, and then bringing them to life."

Grace is the sixth of seven children. She grew up in Mount Industry, attended Holy Trinity Secondary, before going to the Jamaica School of Fashion, where she learned designing and pattern-making. Her first job was that of finisher, then seamstress.

building a clientele

The suit for the larger woman - Audrey Grace designs. – Contributed

Progressively, she did projects on her own and built up a clientele for customised designs, focusing over the last few years on the full-sized woman who always finds it difficult to shop in local stores which sell ready to wear.

"I know that the market is competitive, but what I bring to the market is different," said Grace.

"I realise that in Jamaica we are blessed with belly, bottom and bust, and often, in the stores, they cannot find anything to suit, so I tend to design for the oversized lady."

Grace is building up a clientele inclusive of, "many persons who don't like to look like everyone else".

Her greatest need right now is exposure, and through the JBDC, she hopes to accomplish this, attending as many training and trade expositions as possible.

"They have equipped us with know-how in both production and marketing."

Grace has completed a Rock collection inclusive of a limited edition 'Safari' line, which she states showcases "the exquisite simplicity of our people".

"It is my dream," she stated, "to be a globally recognised designer, with my own trademark, representing my island with flair."

avia.collinder@gleanerjm.com