Established in 1986, the Habits Fashion Boutique on Cavendish Close in Claremont is one of South Africa’s long-standing and successful fashion houses that caters to the stylish woman on the go. If you’ve ever wondered how to make it in fashion, Mandy Tinkler’s the best person to ask.
Adapting to change
It’s inevitable in any business, and I’ve learnt you must be prepared to adapt yours to meet evolving and challenging conditions whilst retaining its core strengths and values.
Clothing retail and export businesses, in particular, have been negatively affected by Covid-19. Without a doubt, having a strong, dedicated team has been integral to our survival. We have a small factory and produce slow, sustainable fashion, so we’ve been able to adapt to our clients’ needs whilst managing to keep our entire team employed.
We pivoted from making high-end women’s clothing to producing masks, track wear and loungewear. To minimise supply issues, we cut and used fabric we had on hand, which proved a lifesaver.
An established Online store
We already have a website, habits.co.za, which we started almost 20 years ago, a courier service has been supporting us and we’ve been able to sustain sales with our existing stock, which has given us a competitive edge during Covid-19.
Women supporting other women
I belong to a group of phenomenal women entrepreneurs who support and encourage each other, providing practical advice and emotional support endorses and that gives us much-needed encouragement.
Surrounding myself with the right people
Our retail team meets at the start of every week to discuss and share any and everything! I feel it’s important to encourage complete transparency with the team and I always value their input and feedback. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated, highly spirited work family who have been together for a long time and understand that sometimes, short-term sacrifices are necessary to keep the business afloat and ensure the brand’s longevity.
Also instrumental in the brand’s success are our loyal clients and suppliers who continue to support us.
That was evident after the lockdown when clients would pop in for a chat and a cup of coffee or call us to ask how we were doing. They also understand and appreciate that buying locally-produced, investment clothing supports our economy – a principle Habits fully
Supporting the local economy
I’ve always been passionate about doing this, and it’s been integral to Habits’ strategy both locally and overseas, even before the pandemic. “Proudly made in Cape Town” is Habits ethos, something I feel is more important and relevant now than ever.
Me time
I take time out after work every day to walk with my dog and breathe in the fresh Cape air. This helps give me clarity of thought and re-energises me to face the challenges that may arise the following day. Sundays are for family time.
