By G. Sharmila
Starting her own line of clothing was no easy feat for former retail fashion executive Pat Liew, but she persevered and BritishIndia was born. In a recent interview with KINIBIZ, she shares some of her recent challenges as an entrepreneur and her plans to take the brand global.
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Pat Liew is the first to admit that not all entrepreneurs have it easy when starting their own businesses. In fact, in our previous article, she shared that starting premium clothing brand BritishIndia was anything but easy.
Present-day challenges are no less easier for Liew, the brand’s founder and group chief executive officer. When asked what have been the biggest challenges she has experienced, she replied that a lack of talent in the garment design industry is a major challenge.
Pat Liew
“The biggest challenge has been to attract a sufficient number of creatively talented people of the calibre needed to develop and grow the brand we have today.
“From humble beginnings with only a handful of people, we have finally managed, after 20 years, to build an impressive pool of talented people dedicated to taking the company to the next level. The first 15 years in this respect, however, was very challenging indeed.
“Also, a lot of young people are always in a hurry. In this line, you need the time and patience to hone your skills and to work with an experienced mentor who can help and guide you. Talent alone is not enough. A lot of talented people fail because they don’t understand the business,” she emphasised.
If she had just one piece of advice for someone starting out in this business, what would it be?
“To those of the younger generation who are thinking of starting their own businesses: be humble and have an open mind. Don’t be afraid to work, of even starting at the lowest level. In short, you need to have lots of energy and resilience, and commit fully to what you are doing,” Liew said.
“And to those who think they have a particular flair or talent for the designing business, a reminder: talent is important, and you can even become a star overnight, winning an award for example, but this is rarely sustainable in the longer term. Learning the craft of designing and understanding the ways of business takes time, and you must also find someone who is willing to guide you,” she added.
When did it occur to her that she had ‘made it’?
“To me, it is an endless journey – an ongoing and continuing process. To feel like that you have ‘made it’ stops growth. The business environment keeps evolving and we need to learn adapt continuously. That’s what we have been doing. During this tough journey in the last 20 years, it has been a process of trial and error,” she shared.
KINIBIZ asked Liew if she has ever turned away a client of business opportunity. It turns out that she has, not once, but multiple times.
“We have attracted the attention of a few private investors and equity companies. Eventually, I may have to find the right partner, but my priority at the moment is to build a strong company structure,” she explained.
Turning away potential investors appears to have done BritishIndia little harm.
Today, BritishIndia has 12 outlets across Malaysia and Singapore, along with two Just B (a sister apparel brand) outlets in Malaysia and one White Elephant (a product of the brand’s corporate social responsibility initiative) outlet in Malaysia.
BritishIndia also appears to be doing quite well financially.
According to the Companies Commission of Malaysia records, Its parent company BritishIndia (Asia) Sdn Bhd made RM12.68 million in revenue last year and RM3.16 million in profits during the same period.
What would Liew say is unique about the BritishIndia brand?
“Our clothes have a tropical Western look. We have cuts that can fit all sizes and shapes, and are in colours that appeal easily to the majority,” said Liew.
She added that BritishIndia designs have evolved slightly throughout the years.
“Some of our new collections are inspired by the cultures and traditional values of the diverse communities of our country. The designs are tweaked in terms of cut, fabric, and finishing to give them a global appeal, with an Asian touch. For example, the kurta, which is traditionally worn by Indians, has been tweaked to be worn by a person of any nationality without looking ethnic.
“I think BritishIndia has now developed into a brand that is Malaysian – smart, casual fashion for a tropical climate,” she said.
To a question on her plans for the BritishIndia brand, Liew replied that “we may add another one or two stores locally. Globally, we are currently in discussion with the Middle East”.
She added that they also get a lot of enquiries from temperate countries especially the resort areas in Europe which have warmer climates.
One area that Liew shied away from talking about, however, is the lawsuit BritishIndia has filed against Suria KLCC Sdn Bhd.
In February, BritishIndia announced it was suing Suria KLCC following the latter’s threat to evict the former from Suria KLCC mall.
A tenant of the mall since 1998, BritishIndia was given four days to unconditionally accept Suria KLCC’s offer to relocate to another location or be hoarded, BritishIndia said in a statement in February.
Has the recent lawsuit changed Liew’s perception towards the retail business?
“The recent event has not changed my perspective and passion for retail. In fact, it has made me more determined. It is not about my rights, but about what is right. I believe that businesses have a duty to make a stand against any injustice and violation of rights.
“We are scrupulously careful that we conduct ourselves in the most fair, reasonable, and ethical way. My natural instinct when we meet with any gross unfairness, is to defend and protect. BritishIndia being seen as a business that upholds a culture of fairness and fair play is very important to me. We do not bully, but we also will not be browbeaten,” she said.
“Columnists have helped to create greater awareness in Malaysia on the importance of recognising, embracing, and defending our rights. We should be encouraged to speak up for what is right. We want the world to know and appreciate Malaysia as a nation of strength in diversity, in pursuit of fair play for all,” she added.
In the face of such challenges, what mindset does an entrepreneur need to be successful?
“There is no place for self-doubt and indecisiveness, failure is not an option; continued resolute and focused action is paramount to realising one’s underlying vision,” Liew said.
“Tension usually occurs when you share your vision and commitment at work in an atmosphere charged with creative freedom. This can lead to complicated and emotional outcomes, which requires strong leadership to stay on track.
“At the end of the day, it is the shared vision of style, image, and creative communication of the business which overrides everything. An entrepreneur also needs to inculcate his DNA throughout his company,” she concluded.
Yesterday: From paper dolls to ethnic chic
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