Work Overload!

Because the construction of the website, and the running of the store is pretty much planned out & brushed up... it's almost time for me to train + work with the rest of the company on how "my" Online webstore works.

In the past few days, I've been preparing myself for "handing over" the webshop to the rest of my colleagues. Although I'll still be a part of it, there needs be many other people to RUN the entire business.

Having had never (maybe I shouldn't be saying it out loud) planned an entire business before for another company other than for my own small businessy dealings... I've been stressing out big time in terms of how I'd "hand" this over.

Luckly, I did study ICT (Information Communication Technology- where I produced a 500page user manual for a database system...and got an A grade hehe), as well as Supply Chain Management/ Logistics (which I believe I'm not so bad at) back at school... so constructing a lengthy "idiot prove" user manual was not so scary.

Yesturday, I produced a 70something Power Point (zzzzzZZZ) slide Manual for the Administration Data Base system. This was to teach how people how to upload photos, change product titles, e.g. "Pink Mug", it's price, description, etc... As much of a pain it was, I guess there are many other worse things you could be doing. e.g. walk another trade fair... I swear my feet still ache from March!

Today, I contructed (in a better manner- I've done it before, just not so tidy...) the logistics/ flow chart as to what happens once the customer puts in the orders and pays. I guess it may be fairly "logical" for some to imagine what happens... you pack it and ship it right? It still has to be written/ drawn out in a "formal" manner when doing it for a business (sadly).

Here's a print screen of a part of my work today.

Click on the image to view a larger version on flickr. =)

I shall be presenting everything from logistics flow, how to deal with customer data, how insert new products/ update products/ edit web content, etcetc next Tuesday.... God help me and Wish me luck!

P.S. I know. Boring stuff, but it's gotta be done!

Dear Blog...

Long time not paid proper attention to you!....uh.

Ok, I must admit, I've been pretty bad at keeping up with the blog lately. I guess I've put it a side a little as I have been obsessing over the look and feel of the website. Over and over again, I've been changing aspects of the webpage's outlook... For what? Well, simply put- chasing satisfaction (that doesn't really exist!).

Actually, one reason why I moved on from being a designer, to a much more businessy/ marketing personalle is due to the fact that I can never be satisfied with any designs (ESPECIALLY my own). The reason for so? Well, it revolves around 7 little words.

I deeply remember this one day, where I was having a one to one feedback tutorial with my fashion design professor. This tutorial was at the very beginning of my time at design school, and I surely was very unfamiliar with everything in terms of what was expected of me, what was generally required and which level of work I should have been producing. During the tutorial, I began talking through my concepts, idea and sketches to my professor. I remember stressing half way through because I could see in her eyes and body language that she wanted to squeeze more out of me. I definitely could feel that she was disappointed with what she hears and saw.

Having had actually been excited about my work before the tutorial, and how I though what I did within that week of work was pretty good- seeing the disappointment on her face deeply saddened me. I was then fairly frustrated...but since I wanted to learn, and despite the fact that I HATE criticism, I eventually bought myself to ask her "How much more would I have had to do?".

She simply replied "How long is a piece of string...?"

Perhaps those words are not so powerful to you, but they sure made a big impact in terms of how I now work, live and function as a person. To this day, those 7 little words still play over and over again in my thoughts whenever I come across any work that involves creativity. I very obviously developed this perspective how nothings EVER good enough. Which isn't healthy at all... but it sure pushes you!

So my explanation for not blogging so often lately, is because I'm STILL not happy with the front page of the website and have been on Photoshop pretty much nonstop (almost not eating lunch!), everyday, even on Friday's no work day (national holiday here). I think I have OCD. Thanks Prof -__- and yes, this is why I've "put aside" (can't really say quit...) fashion design. Bring on Supply Chain Management!

Over the hills and far away...

When you picture Hong Kong, what do you see?

Black, with the world's most beautiful skyline, flashing lights and extremely metropolitan.



















Although much of it is exciting, busy and colourful----> the noise, clutter, construction and too much of interaction does eventually get to you sometime or another.

I went to visit some friends in the new territories (where there's GRASS!) in Hong Kong on Sunday. Although they live so far away (wayyy out from the skyscrapers), their surroundings are beautiful. We went for a walk near their place, and came across the most beautiful lavender garden.





Gorgeous Huh?

You can smell the lavender even when from far away. Too bad there are so many mosquitoes in Hong Kong...I would have loved to stay for quite a while.

Back to a Noisier Note. Something happened in Hong Kong in which really reminded me of being in London. Live Band Playing at a flagship store (So Topshop on Oxford Street!).

H&M is currently selling their "Fashion Against Aids" lines again (the collections were quite cool last year, and are even cooler this year!).
"This year's festival collection will raise money to create awareness about HIV/AIDS amongst youth while also offering our customers stylish clothes for music festivals. The collection has a distinct bohemian, rock feel and includes everything you need this music festival season, from clothes and accessories to tents and sleeping bags."
There was such a great atmosphere, definitely grabbed a lot of attention! Well done guys!

Keyword Analysis

Not much time to do a proper post right now... but, I thought I'd share with you this blog's keyword analysis.

Made me laugh in the morning. haha.

Maybe if anything, it's the fishbone story that's going to pull in more readers........

Supply Chain Lesson and a French 招き猫 (Maneki Neko Cat)

Hi Readers. I know. It feels like a million years since I blogged too... As you may have guessed- its been busy busy around here.

It's been about 2 months and a bit now, and I guess time's pretty much up and I still don't have a real launch date. It's a little (actually, very) sad, and I guess I feel a little (a lot) disappointed with it not "all happening" right now. Regardless, the boutique will launch within the next two or so months.
The reason for the delay is actually due to getting the perfect stock for our first ecommerce launch. We want it to be perfect- not just stuffed with random
(emergency) stock that we could instantly get hold of.
(I mean, if we were to sell anything we could get hold of, then I guess the 3 months deadline would have probably been possible... actually, we wouldn't even need 3 months... you just need to set up an e-bay account, and you're good to go!)

Now I don't know if you've read in a previous post- but I explained how we have our own design team who creates our own product ranges. Having our own custom designs makes everything so much more difficult (actually, just slower). But. We're not here to just trade other people's products, we're here to share our concepts and fun designs.

Why are custom designs slower?

Let me explain.

As a consumer, you probably wouldn't think about where your product came from, it's supply chain, and how it got to your favourite retail store.

Well. There are a million steps & Here's a fairly broken down breakdown.

Design> Modification> Approal> Merchandiser and Factory Commmunicates> Sample> Approval> Production> Packaging> Distribution> Retailer> Distribution> Consumer

Depending on the satisfaction of each stage, there may be A LOT of repeats at some stages- e.g. Sample. (Sampling always takes a long time).

From the above breakdown- you'll can see how I highlighted the stages in two colours.
The beginning of the strip in pink, the later strip in purple.
If your business were to TRADE (i.e. buy ready to go products directly from wholesalers), then you'll be able to skip the first pink stage, and start directly at the production stage. That's a lot of stages (time) saved.

So as for the delay of the shop launch. I hope I've explained.
In simpler words. Which can you get hold of faster? A Tailored shirt? Or a shirt off the shelf from Zara? Both not bad, but which fits you better?
Customized goods takes longer- but they will be exactly what you want, not an averge of what everybody else wants.

Voila.

To those who aren't so psyched with supply chain management...
here's what a French 招き猫 (Maneki Neko Cat) looks like.

I found him at Monsieur Chatte, now my favourite lunch hang out.
They sell lovely French Teas in Stoneware pots.


I loved my Honey flavoured yoghurt in this cute pot (this was a couple of days ago).

On the even more Frenchy side. I went to Agnes B (initially to get more inspiration and check out their packaging idea...but ended up sitting down for a coffee and lasagne).
Check out their pretty flowers!

Have a nice evening!

Pret a manger

Dear Readers,

Goodmorning/evening, where ever in the world you are!

Last night was pretty long... I didn't have time to have dinner until 10pm... but dispite the long day, and not being able to blog (applogies), I did come across something that made me dislike the world a little less.


Have you ever been in a Pret a Manger? They are well known for their fresh sarnies (sandwiches, for those who aren't Brit)... and lovely soups.

I remember going to a Pret in the city of Nottingham (UK) a few years back. I ordered my food, sat down by the window and began my people watching moment (in other words- day dreaming). After a few minutes, I eventually "woke up", and noticed a little white booklet infront of me.
Pret a manger produces little white booklets to inform/ almost educate their customers about Pret. Having had their illustrations being pretty cute, I began flicking. One thing I remember reading, which stuck on my mind, was how at Pret, they do not throw away their food. At the end of each shift of everyday, the staff at Pret would collect all un bought food, and deliver them to homeless people/ chosen charities.

I admired them for that, but unsure of how true this was. Untill last night. I saw a pret man delivering at 9 something pm.

And no, he wasn't just doing an ordinary delivery... I could tell, because some boxes were a bit crushed, and you wouldn't do that if a customer paid for the food.

So Voila, Pret saves some starving people everyday.

Annnthropologasticcccc

Dear Readers,

Happy Tuesday!

A few days ago, my friend Sam suggested me to go check out Anthropologie. I finally found the time today, and here goes. Everyone, meet Anthropologie . Sam was right, I love their homeware! (Not so keen on their fashion...a little too pretty for my liking).
Their latest home ware collection is based around the idea of a "summer house". Sea blue, breezy colours, and some vibrant highlights of firey orange, exotic reds...

Loving the plates. I also love how they've combined random objects (purchasable) with the main items.

So cute. So European!


This 1/2 teaspoon measurer is my favourite!!!! Love love


Gorgeous Colours, exotic, indian spicy colours.


Love Love. I highly rate it. Any thoughts?

http://www.anthropologie.com/

They delivery pretty much everywhere, worldwide =)

Not just any old masking tape

My oh My. Bon Lundi!...
It's time to share again!

Dear Readers. Not so much talk on Dinnerware today...
I came across a Japanese website that sells nothing but Masking Tape. Literally.

Now Thinking back to the days when I used to be at design school... I would have LOVED to get my hands on rolls of these. I adore layers and I adore colours. This combination is exactly why I'm so psyched about these babies.

Meet: mt masking tape by Kamoi Kakoshi. You can find masking tape in so many colours, patterns, and there are so many ideas as to how you can use these wonderful coloured tapes. The tapes are supposedly just like ordinary masking tape, but made of rice backed paper.

Definitely not your ordinary masking tape huh? I wonder if any one has use them to protect edges of walls when painting. Surely not.
Buy them here at Esty


Some pictures from their Gallery:





Oh. And I'd like to say "Thank you World" once again.
Thanks all new readers, coming from Twitter. I hope you enjoy the posts!
(New Plotted Map of viewers from statcounter)

Mug Press

Having had been in this business for several months, I built up a rough knowledge of how much minimum ordering quantities are for most dinnerware products. Unlike at retail (e.g. Marks and Spencer), where you are allowed to buy 1 or 2 plates/ cups/ mugs... wholesale sells masses of products with a minimum ordering quantity. The reason for so, is that wholesale/ factories, sells to trading companies/ direct to retailers, at a very low price. Obviously, for them to make money, they have to sell in big bulk- it's a bit like how Costco works in the US... except on a even larger scale.

For you to understand in a bigger picture- to order something like Mugs, from an outsourced factory, you usually have to order at least 3,000 pieces.

Sadly, to the big boys like Walmart/ Ikea, who I believe sells millions of mugs everyday... Ordering 3,000 is like a speckle of dust...

In fact, they probably order something like 40 containers (below is an img of a container) worth of the same mug every month.

Let me just tell you that for 1 container, you can fit around 30,000- 35,000 mugs. Now thats a lot of mugs of tea!

If you can see on this blog title right now, this buisness is only a boutique, and often times, it's pretty difficult to order anything at small quantities... because frankly, factories would rather pay attention to people like Walmart.

As mentioned in our recent post, we may be heading towards the direction of pushing mug designs.

And since finding out how each mug design needs to be produced at the quantity of at least 1,000 (if you're lucky)... eyebrows started to raise. Not in a good way.

In reaction to so, I went on to search how little companies go on to produce mugs. Surely there's a way with a smaller quantity.

I turned to my old friend YOUTUBE. Turned out. A little kid in Australia is already making personalized mugs with his little machine. How cute.

In love with Mr Smith

Dear Readers,

Whilst waiting for my web designer to process some final configurations, I have been researching on the latest trends for future designs.

Once upon ago, I had a memebership at http://www.blogger.com/www.stylesight.com . It is like a trend preditor/website of competitive intelligence that keeps you up to date with the artsy designer world. Although my membership has been cancelled (because I no longer work at the previous company who provided it), I still get the privilage of recieving daily newsletters from stylesight.
One trend in which caught my eye in the newsletter today, was the evolving use of roses in the fashion world- namley by Paul Smith.

I've always loved Paul Smith. I fell in love with his eye to detail ever since I came to know his designs. His suit linings are my favourite.

Anyway, having had been reminded of his work, I went on to his website to check out his latest collections... Now I never knew this until today- Mr Smith sells collections of Tableware on his website! =)





















Pretty Cute Designs. I like the rough-ish messy paint idea.

I then went onto his blog... and found this post where he talked about his friend, Thomas Heatherwick's creation that is currently being exhibited at the Shanghai Expo.












From What I understand- the piece was inspired by the idea of linking nature with cities. I just love the spikeyness.

New Developments

Dear Readers,

On Thursday, my manager, designers and I sat down to talk about some new tableware ideas. It seems like the plan is now to move more towards pushing fun mug designs in the near the future. I guess the reason for so is that mugs are much easier to manage in terms of it's supply chain (from raw materials>>> to end consumer) in comparison to a complete dinnerware set. There's always something irritatingly wrong when trying to put together a dinnerware set. I'm not going to go into details why. There are just basically too many bits and bobs in one set.

Moving on. As my manager was in Italy for quite a while two weeks ago, he ended up browsing around Milan, hoping to catch some great finds. And he did.

Meet Taitu: by Emilo Bergamin
(from itlaly)
He is a conceptual tableware designer who believes in a concept that allows consumers to mix and match his collections. They're really fun, well detailed designs. If you look at the below image like a table (chart), then you can see how each design collides with each other.

I love this Tea for Two (my fave in Chilli)



Another Fave: Check out the ladybird!

Watersplashing concept is pretty nice too.

I'd love to have a couple just to hang on the wall!

What do you think? Shall I have them in our boutique? Maybe check out rest of photos in my flickr album.

Entertaining at Home: Easy Outdoor Entertaining

Entertaining at Home: Easy Outdoor Entertaining

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