Joana Mintcheva Entrepreneur
- English
What I need help with
My background as an entrepreneur
My current challenges
My brand originated in Sydney, Australia and has currently expanded to Spain (after my recent move here). I have stock in both Sydney and Barcelona which presents some shipping and marketing problems (which I am also trying to see as a positive - being on two continents! :-). As my brand originally started with handmade softies (over 5 years ago) and now it is only fashion, I decided to start the socials again, to avoid any confusion on the branding. Currently, my following is very low on these new accounts. As all my background is in product development, I have the perfect behind-the-scenes skills as a designer/creative director and not so much the skills in marketing, sales, social media, etc. My brand is currently a micro-business (i.e. only me :-). and until there is more sell-through, this is not something I can currently outsource to someone with better expertise in this. I would love a bit more guidance and advice on how to improve my marketing with things I can do myself, etc. and any advice on how to navigate the two continents' marketing would be a huge help.
Actions I’ve taken so far
I have created a brand kit (PDF brand presentation) and I am currently contacting local stores (in Barcelona) to see if they would like to sell my stock on a consignment basis. I am also reaching out to models and some public figures to see if they would be open to doing a collaboration together (both Europeans and Australians). I have translated (what pages my website would allow me to) in Spanish as well. I have upgraded my URL to '.com' (the previous '.com.au' is diverted back to this) so that the brand isn't limited to the Australian market. In case customers would like to pay in their own currencies, on the item pages I have given them the option of finishing the transaction on Etsy if they prefer. (Unfortunately, my website only has AUD pricing and it does not allow to change between EU and AUD pricing here), regardless this is optional and the site does accept international payments of course.
My future goals
My goals are to build strong brand awareness. To find my target audience through correct and improved online (and physical) marketing. To build successful collaborations and keep growing the brand across Europe, Australia and the globe! :-). It would be a dream come through to have constant sell-through and the brand to keep growing with continued re-developments.
My motivations to work with a mentor
I am extremely passionate about my brand, I strongly believe in this and it is very important to me to grow this and keep my creativity and business going. As I am a solopreneur (and can't possess every skill set) I would love some advice from someone more experienced than me and any pointers and suggested improvements will always be welcomed. It can be hard working alone, so having someone to bounce ideas from could be extremely beneficial for me and my brand.
About my venture
Mintchi Clothing Started 2022
After a decade of working in the fashion industry, I was deeply dissatisfied with standard mass-production practice and the damage it does to our environment. Driven by a desire to make a difference; Mintchi was born!
Countries of operation: Spain, Australia