Last night, Labels Are Limitations™ had the privilege of being able to join several other up-and-coming businesses at the Prince’s Trust’s Christmas Fayre, held at their HQ near Liverpool Street station.
When I had found out that my business had been selected (following their callout, and me putting forward Labels Are Limitations™), I was delighted but nervous as the brand had not been involved in a formal Prince’s Trust event of this magnitude!
There was a lot to sort out; the updated business cards amongst other necessities, including a replenishment of A/W14 stock had to be sanctioned prior to yesterday! Adding to this, I had to buy a larger clothing rail as my trusty 4’ one would not have been sufficient for this occasion.
As an ever-growing business, you never know how an event is going to go. I have taken Labels Are Limitations™ to the likes of Spitalfields Market, Portobello Road Market, local church events and even a few pop-up shops – most recently being at Camden Collective for the “Branded Heritage” movement which celebrated British made brands! All these events came with a varying amount of success (some great and some not-so-great basically) which in effect made me curious about how the Prince’s Trust Christmas Fayre would go for the brand...then again, I am always curious, as one must be! Stripping all the previous away – I had a feeling some t-shirts (especially the Eagle on The Shoulder tee and the Ace Of Spades tee) would do better than others following their recent online success, since being released mid October! Furthermore, I had no idea where my brand would be positioned on the night, as position is everything! Go to any traders’ event and you will know EXACTLY what I am talking about!
Following all these thoughts, I whipped out the “industrial sized” suitcase – which was last used for an epic trip to Newcastle (UK) with my brother and friends, and how it was once described – to pack the required Labels Are Limitations™ gear!
On to the day itself; it was a requirement that we were there for half two (2:30pm) to set up our trader’s exhibition...but I arrived there at quarter to 1 (12:45pm) as I felt it was imperative to have more time to set up so that the Labels Are Limitations™ section looked as best as it could possibly look. An ethos that runs through our brand – that “nothing is done by half” – was the ethos I was determined to bring with me to the Christmas Fayre.
Following the assembly of my clothing rack, mannequin, hanging the tees and labelling (pricing) up the t-shirts; Labels Are Limitations™ was ready to go!
All set up at the Prince's Trust Christmas Fayre
I have to say that the response on the day was fantastic! All of the businesses present (including mine) had a great amount of traffic, and with this ultimately I was able to make quite a few sales. The Eagle On The Shoulder t-shirt proved to be the most popular by far...as well as the one which sparked the most intrigue!
The Eagle On The Shoulder tee proved very popular!
It was a pleasure to stand and explain to customers the reasoning and inspiration behind starting Labels Are Limitations™ and what it stands for. Even if people chose not to buy from the brand, I loved portraying its message and the depth of it!
All in all, it was a great evening all thanks to the Prince’s Trust and I hope Labels Are Limitations™ will be involved in similar P.T. events in the future!
Reflecting back on the event, it went a lot better than I imagined it would! My expectations naturally are low regarding most things these days as I am one who does not like to assume anything will automatically do well. I was happy for my brand and I feel the Christmas Fayre will prove to be a significant part of our journey!
I - Roy Ikoroha – am very grateful for my affiliation with the Prince’s Trust. They have been massively inspirational and encouraging in helping me to strengthen and grow not only Labels Are Limitations™, but my own personal skills too. I forever strive to grow (not in height, I am tall enough thanks ;), a blueprint I want the brand to have too. So all in all Prince’s Trust; thank you!
Owner Roy Ikoroha at the conclusion of the Prince's Trust Christmas Fayre 2014
Roy Ikoroha
Owner & Designer
Labels Are Limitations™
