New and Highly Excitable

[Jenna]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Jenna, I'm 24 and Sydney based. I've landed my dream job as a "clinical consultant" working with disability and out of home care agencies. I'm about 3 months into my 2 year registration as a shrink.

I originally noticed a need in the market for 'jumpsuits' for people with severe-profound disabilities in a number of contexts. I first decided I wanted to find away to make these available, but have since decided to run with it as a business idea. My goals are to make affordable and durable jumpsuits available and to run an ethic business.

I love my work and feel I have a solid understanding of the disability field. Unfortunately, when it comes to clothing, importing/manufacturing and running a business I haven't got a clue!

I'm hoping to meet other people and to pick up some good hints and tips, and hopefully having something to offer back!

Cheers

Jen

[FS Concierge]

Hi Jenna, and welcome to the forum!

Wow - you are only 24 and already an inspiration! This is an awesome goal you have set yourself and it is fantastic for your future clients that someone is looking to fulfill this need for them.

So that people can help you, it would be great if you could explain a bit more about your idea to us (if you're ready to, of course!)

For example:
Why is there a need for the jumpsuits?
What kind of material do they need to be manufactured from?
Do they need special features to allow carers to help people in and out of them?

Also, try posting your queries in this section of the forum, where they'll be easier for others to find: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/forums/...good-referral/

Good luck!
Jayne

[Burgo]

This is a great idea for the disabled.

As for the running of a business have a talk to an accountant as they have a sound understanding of what you could do.

As far as the manufacture goes do you want local or overseas ?

[King]

warning - telling too much about your idea means that anyone reading it with the right contacts and links, can race off with your idea. Its like perhaps talking about a new invention, once you've done that it cannot be patented - so keep the important stuff close to you ;)

Suggest talking generalities rather than specifics of your product, and keep to price points, distribution, supplier/manufacturer sourcing etc

A great idea by the sounds of it.

[Burgo]

That makes a lot of sense O'King

[Jenna]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies and input.

As far as the design there are certainly a lot of 'features' that would benefit to them be tailored to the needs of someone with Autism. Although I doubt anyone would steal this idea I avoid going into too many details anyway :)

Similar jumpsuits already exist but they are marketed at people with Dementia and many parents or carers will have tailors make them from scratch, but this can be a long and tedious project.

I haven't quite figured out whether I'm better off getting them made in Aus or importing yet. I have had a couple of quotes from India but can't be assured of the quality and would have to buy up big. I could buy them from America but that's expensive, although would save some time (other than figuring out import laws e.t.c). I have my first meeting on Saturday with a company that specialises in jumpsuits on saturday (very excited and reasonably nervous!).

The material I'm quite lost with, and I'm not sure who can help me with this. I'd prefer to supply the materials to the tailor instead of using theirs. Cotton is softer which is good as people with autism can be very sensitive to touch, but a poly mix is stronger. The garments tend to get washed daily with cheap detergent and high temperatures (some services have regulations about how hot the water must be).

I'm finding it very hard to feel I've sufficiently research the market. I don't know how big my potential customer base is and if they're buying from anywhere else (some websites exist selling jumpsuits). I don't know what sizes, colours, winter/summer e.t.c I should make, if I should make lots of different versions or just one in different colours. And the financial side is a complete mystery to me haha.

All help appreciated :D

[Burgo]

Garment manufacturers have fabric sources that you and I would never get to hear about, and they can also buy fabrics in greater quantity than you would need, in an assortment of colours and prints.

The swatches they will show you on Saturday will give you some indication of what they can or cant do.

Sizes, if they already make jumpsuits they know what sizes sell and which dont. They are a fantastic source of information, and quantity per size will determine price.

Well this was what it was like a few years ago, things may have changed.

[Jenna]

Thanks for the info burgo.

I'm not sure how big or small this tailor's business will be, but I'll find out on Saturday. I feel like I haven't got much of a clue about what I'm asking about which is a bit concerning, but hopefully they'll be able to help me out with some answers. Either way, I'm sure it is only the first of many meetings to come haha

Any tips on good questions to ask that I might not have though of?

[SJacob]

Hi Jenna,

Is 'shrink' a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

I see loads of potential as you'll be dealing directly with decision makers ie. care/respite homes or parents/carers.

Best of luck on the new venture.

[Jenna]

"Shrink" could be either, therapist/psychiatrist. Meaning "head shrinker" apparently haha conjures up images of lying on leather couches talking about childhood...

I'm completing my registration to be a psychologist, although working in disabilities is pretty different to other psych roles. Thanks for your comments, and yes, the connections are definitely there. I just need to work on my business and fashion knowledge now!