Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Neetu Malik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Neetu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is a relative term. Some people feel successful with money, some with fame, everyone has there own way of describing success. When I started my business in the early 90’s there were not a lot of independent woman who had ventured into my category, and I was told by some one very close to me that I’ll not be ‘successful’. Since then I’ve been trying to find the meaning, fast forward few decades, I would say SUCCESS is waking up, loving your work and to be extremely passionate about it. It takes money, consistency, hard work, smart work, perseverance, and all the other adjectives we can use. In my experience you need all that but the two most important things are honesty and faith.
I have developed a very special niche in my industry which is very competitive and for me to go out in the different part of the country and people already know who I’m when I introduce myself, is my success story.
Once i was in New York at a trade show, I went to introduce my self to one of very accomplished vendor and he said I know who you are ‘Neetu Malik from Los Angeles’. I felt successful that day.
If one is honest, trustworthy and hard working, there is no reason that person can’t be successful.

Neetu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a blend of east and west. I was born in India and grew up in England. I have lived my life outside the box, I didn’t follow any cultural or family rules. I’m the rare product of my generation who build the business on my own, no partners, no financial help from anyone, totally boot strapped my business. As much as my parents were afraid for me, but seeing my dedication and resilience they very proud of me. I got into the apparel business by starting my courier in the retail store in Picadally Square of London. I’m in a very competitive industry and be called a dinosaur is a huge complement. I have build mSquare on good ethics, honesty and transparency. I have been quoted by my clients, “You have to be ready to hear the truth working with Neetu” The key to a business is knowing what are you in for. I have developed a niche over last few decades that has helped me stay and grow. I provide clothes for real woman. Who don’t have Hollywood bodies. My speciality is of course design but also the fabrics I develop.
My proud moment is when I see woman wearing mSquare on the street and they recognize me and thank me.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I got into designing my own label by the request of my existing account base.My forte was and has been sales and marketing. i jumped to the idea when I was asked. I do manufacture mSquare, and no I had no clue about manufacturing. I had no idea where to buy thread or any other notions. When I started internet didn’t exist. It was all network, picking up the phone, or driving to a certain place to find out if I could use their service.
I found a. person who said he could make my prototype, I gave him my ideas and he made 12 pieces for me. I started to market and thought if I book orders, I will figure out how to manufacture. Finally I did.
I made mistakes in every field of manufacturing. I think mistakes are the best teachers. I found everything by asking questions and knocking at the doors, cutters, sewers, finishers.
The biggest lesson is that the whole process needs checking at every step and if one is ignored the whole pyramid falls down.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I started selling to the stores. I use to pick up the phone and make appointments to go see clients, as I must reiterate, there were no internet. There was no way to know who is who.

Once I walked into a store as I had an appointment, I was asked to leave as I looked different. I sounded normal over the phone so they assumed I would be a blonde. When I reminded them of my appointment, I can’t forget the look on their faces. There were lot of rejections after that but I didn’t give up.

Once my cutter cut the styles in the wrong fabric. I almost lost my shirt, as I develop my fabrics, but my faith kept me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: msquare.clothing
• Instagram: mSquare by Neetu Malik
• Facebook: mSquare by neetu malik
• Linkedin: Neetu Malik
• Twitter: mSquare by neetu malik