Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Fong Biglin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
One of my favorite quotes that I try to live by in my personal and professional life is “We rise by lifting others.” Growing up in a in a family of entrepreneurs, I was taught that success is about who you surround yourself with. Through surrounding yourself by those who make you a better person and lift you up, you will ultimately achieve success.
Katie, 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 have dreamt of becoming a fashion designer for as long as I can remember. I have sketchbooks from when I was 6 years old, wedding dresses and evening gowns -design always been a passion of mine. I started sewing at the age of 7, and eventually I became a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where I majored in Fashion Design with a specialization in Eveningwear. During this time, I interned at Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and a few other design houses in addition to working a part time retail job. I was fascinated not just by fashion, but also the business side of fashion including public relations, sales and merchandising and production.
After graduation, I did freelanced briefly at J. Crew and held a Design Assistant job at the mass market dress company. At the same time I was making dresses for private clients on the side. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to start my own brand in 2013, so I left my current job and jumped at the opportunity.
Having worked in many different departments of fashion and at various design houses ranging from mass market to designer, I found my passion in working with the finest fabrics and couture techniques. I have always loved to design classic and timeless silhouettes with a hint of feminine and soft flare.
I moved my business from the library of my parents home that I had turned into a studio, into NYC’s garment district to have better access to the factories that were producing my limited quantity designs. I sold to a few wholesalers for a few years and as much fun as that was – I realized I really wanted to work more closely, one-on-one, with the women who were wearing my designs. My custom business was growing and I felt the need for a change.
In 2015, I opened up Katie Fong the Boutique in Greenwich, CT (also my hometown). I redirected my business to be direct to consumer and to this day I offer samples of my Collection that can be made-to-order in over 300 colors. Everything can be customized to any fit, any size, any fabrics. I also offer a made-to-measure service, where I listen to my clients likes and dislikes and design something for them from start to finish. I do sketches, take many measurements, do a mock up of the design in muslin fabric, and then the fitting in the real fabric.
Since then, my clients have grown from local women to women from all over the country. It is an honor to be able to dress so many incredible women, each with their own story. In today’s world of excess, fast fashion, I find it so important to carry on the appreciation for simple yet beautifully made clothing that feel modern, but not something you’ll regret wearing in 25 years.
In addition to the product I have to offer, I also believe that my type of service is more than just making a garment for someone to wear. It is important to me and my team that every customer is welcomed into our boutique as a friend and a helper – to make everyone feel comfortable and beautiful.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Word of mouth is 100% the best marketing tool, especially in building a good reputation. If your first clients are happy, they will tell their peers. Especially in the evening wear and bridal market, everyone wants to make sure that they are choosing the best vendor to work with for their big day. Part of that is trust in your business and the other part is what they hear from who they ask or what they see online. I’ve had many repeat clients – some who come back to me after a few years as their children get married. I’ve had brides come back for dresses after giving birth to their first and second babies! It is truly the biggest compliment to have someone come back.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
As a business owner, I believe that the most important thing you can do to grow your clientele is putting yourself out there – even if it’s out of your comfort zone. I’ve met many people who have come to me for advice on how to get started in growing a clientele and I always suggest networking as much as possible. Meet everyone and learn from everyone. You never know who you will meet! I am 12 years into my business and to this day, I still am active in my community and am meeting people weekly. Luckily, my passion is my work so it’s easy to share my love for what I do with those who I meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiefong.com
- Instagram: @katiefongcollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiefongcollection/
Image Credits
Julia D’Agostino, Mindy Briar