“A successful partnership allows you to recognize your own weaknesses, and draw on a partner’s strengths, without being uncomfortable about that vulnerability. That comfort, as Warren Buffett says, comes from a complete lack of envy in a partnership.” (Michael D. Eisner, Huffingtonpost.com)
In this story, Candy Favart shares her partnership story with Roxanne Wentworth, to create their swimwear brand – Oséa Swimwear, targeting an informed and trend conscious global audience. Even though they only started their business in 2015, by sharing the same belief and having the persistence and determination keep them together and stay motivated. Read how they did it below…
Hey Candy, tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
Both myself and my business partner Roxanne come from creative backgrounds and decided to move to Hong Kong almost 3 years ago to gain professional experience. We met here in Hong Kong and decided to create a swimwear collection together after discussing the difficulty of finding a chic and fashion-orientated swimsuit.
What motivated you to enter into this business?
I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and my business partner’s dream was to have her own brand. We combined our efforts and different areas of expertise to start this business together.
How do you differentiate your products from the similar swimwears in town?
Oséa Swimwear targets a very specific niche market. We created a brand that young, trendy women can identify themselves with by inspiring ourselves from international trends. Our brand image is bohemian-chic and sexy, which is something difficult to find in other swimwear brands.
What have you found to be your most effective way of finding your clients?
At this time I’m confident our brand is the newest swimwear brand on the Hong Kong market. We plan on having our official launch event very soon followed by many pop-ups in order for potential clients to try on the swimwear and touch the high-quality fabric we use- I think this will convince many to purchase an Oséa swimsuit.
What is your business challenge and how did you get over it?
Think, evaluate, act. I believe for (almost) any challenge there is a solution, but sometimes it can be frustrating, time consuming or simply not something you want to deal with. Persistence is the key!
How do you keep yourself motivated during the difficult times?
During tough times it helps a lot to have a business partner to share ideas with and discuss different strategies. Sometimes you think you have the best idea until you discuss it with someone who knows your business as well as you. And then of course I have a very supportive “life partner” who is always pushing me to do my best and believes in what I do.
As an entrepreneur, how do you see the “work-life” balance?
The key point is to be efficient. In my mind it’s important to work hard, but it’s as important to appreciate the other aspects of your life too.
So how do you usually spend your leisure time?
I’m interested in many things, probably too many which is why it was so difficult for me to choose my studies. But since a young age I’ve always liked art and anything requiring creativity. I’ve liked traveling and learning new languages for about 10 years now, and since I’ve moved to Asia I’m a big yoga fan- Bikram only!!
If anyone want to get in touch with you, where should we send them to?
Email: info@oseaswimwear.com
Website: www.oseaswimwear.com
Facebook: //osea swimwear
Photo Credit: Kent Andreason
Candy will be exhibiting at the Prestige Summer Fairs which will be held on 3rd June at the 5-Star hotel, Conrad Hong Kong. 10am to 7pm, at the Grand Ballroom. If you want to meet her and possibly looking for a new swimwear to try on, come on 3rd June!
