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Operating your own business is never easy. Lewan Chen found that out the hard way...... but then, what other way is there?
Mr Chen founded Vinaastee International three years ago and discovered that handling pressure from customers was perhaps his hardest lesson. Evidently, he learned it well, because with a very short space of time he was presiding over a company turning over some USD 4 million.
He had no family connections when he started his venture, but he says he was interested in fashion and specialised in leather. And, despite the pressure from customers Mr Chen regards every one of them as important. The first was DBen.
Today, the company offers leather handbags, both Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) and Original Brand Manufacturing (ODM), aimed at the medium-to-high end market. They have their own designer, Kelvin Teng, and a system that enables them to train their Chinese manufacturing staff on the mainland to a high standard.
Vinaastee is busy building their brand. "A brand can represent quality and service. The hoped for benefit is recognition", says Mr Chen. He adds, however, that quality and service are the same for both OEM and ODM.
The immediate targets are to expand their brand in both America and Europe, largely through exhibitions, and expand manufacturing capacity.
Vinaastee International remains a Hong Kong company. There are both advantages and disadvantages to weigh. "With China the operational costs will be much lower but," says Mr Chen, "The disadvantage is that China's banking system is not compatible to Hong Kong".
Vinaastee International is at Fashion Access Spring 2008.
Further information at www.vinaastee.com | 
