“I don’t always have the motivation. It really comes down to discipline and getting things done. Just get up and do it, whether it’s work, working out, creating a product, building a brand, or maintaining relationships.”
In an interview with Entrepreneurs Today, Sam Chhabra talks about the many challenges that come with being an entrepreneur.
Sam Chhabra is the founder and creative director of Evemen, a dynamic streetwear brand known for its contemporary designs and high-quality clothing. As the visionary behind the brand’s identity, Sam is involved in every aspect, from product design to team management and overseeing photoshoots. His leadership turns ideas into reality, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the fashion industry.
True Calling
Sam Chhabra’s inspiration to enter the world of fashion came during his teenage years spent browsing YouTube. He shares,
“One day, I came across this video by Christian Guzman, who owns his own brand, and that really kicked things off for me. From there, I got hooked on documentaries and videos of designers and brand owners talking about their creative journeys and stories. I’ve always been interested in fashion, and as I watched these documentaries, everything clicked into place, aligning my passion with the goal of owning a brand.”
His longstanding interest in fashion found clarity as he absorbed these stories, catalyzing a deep-seated ambition to establish his own brand, design unique pieces, and share them with a global audience.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about the initial days when you started working towards your dreams finally?
Sam: “During the lockdown, I invested all my savings into hiring a designer to learn the ropes and understand what it takes to become a designer. We dove into the work, dedicating almost a year to learning and doing everything a designer does. Once restrictions eased, I started visiting vendors to finalise the fabric and construction, successfully getting everything back on track.”
What Makes Evemen Unique
Evemen stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and the way it presents its garments to the world. Quality is paramount, with each piece crafted to meet the highest standards. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as music, famous quotes, and sports, Evemen blends these influences into its distinctive aesthetic.
Each garment tells a story, reflecting Evemen’s passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
Evemen’s holistic approach to fashion and community-building sets it apart in the industry. Beyond creating contemporary clothing, Evemen prioritises wearability, ensuring that every item is not only stylish but also comfortable and functional. The brand goes further by fostering a community around its products, offering tailored services that cater to customer needs.
Presentation is a cornerstone of Evemen’s strategy. From meticulously planned campaigns to a polished online presence and striking photoshoots, Evemen strives to showcase its brand in the best possible light. These efforts underscore Evemen’s commitment to delivering excellence across all aspects of its brand identity.
Challenges Faced
As a homegrown brand, Evemen encountered several challenges in its early stages of development. Initially, they struggled with lower minimum order quantities (MOQ), which deterred many vendors from collaborating.
Over time, they managed to find supportive manufacturers willing to facilitate their growth. Financial constraints as a bootstrap company posed another hurdle, making resource management challenging.
Compounding these issues were difficulties with manufacturers, who often mishandled production, leading to the wastage of samples despite dedicated efforts. However, Sam notes,
“Despite these hurdles, we persevered, learned from our experiences, and continued to build our brand with resilience and determination.”
Major Achievements
Evemen’s notable achievements include their runway debut at Times Fashion Week and serving 20,000 customers, reflecting their substantial growth and impact in the market.
Interviewer: What does success mean to you personally?
Sam: “Measuring the success of our business isn’t just about monetary gains; it’s about the unwavering support of our customers. We gauge our achievements through their feedback and reviews, which reflect their satisfaction and trust in our products. Our focus has always been on community building, creating an environment where our customers feel like family. Their loyalty and the sense of community they foster around our brand are the true indicators of our success.”
Sam further adds that oftentimes their customers reach out to them whenever there is a delay in a release. He says,
“Customers come to us eagerly, asking about our next drops, and staying loyal by purchasing from us as soon as we launch new products. This ongoing engagement and commitment from our customers inspire us to continue delivering the quality and service they expect and deserve.”
Plans Ahead
Evemen’s future strategy focuses on expanding its product range to encompass a complete wardrobe collection, aiming to establish itself as a comprehensive, one-stop brand for fashion enthusiasts.
This year, their plans include the opening of their first physical store, enhancing accessibility and engagement with customers.
Additionally, Evemen is actively developing Athltcz, their sportswear brand, which promises to carve out a distinct niche in the market. To support these initiatives, the brand intends to expand its physical presence in metropolitan cities through the launch of new stores, ensuring a broader reach and greater customer convenience.
Lessons Learned
One of the major lessons Sam has learned in his entrepreneurial journey is the importance of implementation. He shares,
“It’s crucial to take an initial idea and carry it through to completion. This means understanding how to implement everything from start to finish. For this to happen successfully, the foundation of the company must be strong. Building a solid foundation ensures that our ideas can be effectively executed and brought to life.”
