We were lucky to catch up with Vienna Chanthakham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vienna, thanks for joining us today. Finding those key vendors can often be make or break for a brand. Can you talk to us about how you found your key vendors?

Finding a key vendor for any clothing wear whether a manufacturer or distributor was a journey that required patience, research, and relationship building. How I approached this process, why I selected the vendor I did, and the lessons learned along the way.
The Process of Finding a Vendor; Do your research, I started by searching online for manufacturers and distributors that specialized in the type of apparel I needed. Websites like Alibaba, Maker’s Row, and even Instagram were great resources. You can also look at trade shows or online industry events (such as Printwear or Fashion and Apparel conferences). Making sure you look at Reviews, testimonials, and online communities (such as Reddit or fashion related forums) were critical for vetting vendors. They gave me insight into the reliability of a company and their quality of service.
Narrowing down your options, I created a short list of potential vendors based on their reputation, location (I preferred suppliers with easy shipping logistics), and their product catalog. I wanted to make sure they offered the flexibility to create well structured materials, they have a solid inventory of t-shirts, hoodies, and hats, and could handle both small and large orders. I prioritized companies that had good communication practices. Response times and clarity were key indicators of reliability. Requesting Samples is a must for looking at vendors. I ordered samples from the top 3-5 manufacturers/distributors on my list. This was a vital step to evaluate the quality of the materials, print durability, and overall craftsmanship. Into Heaven is a hand crafted luxury clothing brand, bringing the highest quality materials to our customers is our goal. When requesting samples, I made sure to ask for specific details like fabric composition, the feel of the material, color longevity, and sizing consistency. When negotiating the deal, once I identified the vendor with the best quality and the most reasonable price point, I started the negotiation process. I wanted to get a sense of their minimum order quantity (MOQ), shipping costs, lead times, and payment terms. I was clear about my expected production volumes and deadlines. I didn’t settle for the first price they quoted me. I worked to negotiate a discount, especially for bulk orders, and asked about potential price breaks or future order incentives.
Why did I choose these vendors, the first few vendors stood out because of the quality of their samples. The prints were sharp, and the fabrics were soft yet durable, important for long term wearability. They had a diverse range of blanks for hoodies, t-shirts and hats which allowed me to select styles that fit my brand’s aesthetic perfectly. The vendor was highly flexible with customization. They were willing to work with me on specific colors, and even small batch orders at the beginning (important for testing the market without overcommitting). They offered a good balance of customization and efficiency, which made it easier for me to scale my business. From the start, the vendor’s customer service was top notch. They were responsive and transparent about timelines and any potential issues. This level of trust was crucial for me, as I was just starting and didn’t want to risk long delays or misunderstandings. Although not the cheapest, their pricing was competitive for the quality and services they offered. I also felt that their willingness to work on a long term partnership helped me justify the cost, especially when I was just getting my feet wet in the market.
Why They Made the Deal with me, I believe they made the deal with me because I was clear about my brand vision and the volume I was planning to work with. I communicated that I was looking for a long term partnership rather than a one off order, which likely gave them confidence in the deal. I wasn’t just shopping for a vendor, but looking for someone who could grow with me. They probably saw that I was committed to developing a solid business and saw potential in the quality of my designs and the direction I was going. My approach to being transparent about my goals, expected sales volumes, and future orders helped them understand that I wasn’t just testing the waters with a single order, but aiming to create a lasting business relationship.
Lessons Learned and What I Would Do Differently, The first time I worked with a vendor, I didn’t have a very detailed contract in place. While everything went well, having clear terms about lead times, returns, from the beginning would have been ideal. I learned to always draft a formal agreement that outlines everything from payment terms to quality standards and timelines. One thing I didn’t fully appreciate at first was the importance of building a strong relationship with your vendor. Early on, I focused mostly on transactional elements like price and delivery time, but later realized that a good working relationship can help solve problems faster and even unlock better deals. In hindsight, I would recommend testing with smaller quantities and markets before scaling up, even if you’ve done your research and gotten good samples. That way, you can gauge real customer feedback and make adjustments before committing to a huge order. Don’t underestimate the importance of understanding your full pricing structure. I learned the hard way that there are more costs involved than just the production price (e.g., shipping, customs duties,etc.). Make sure to factor these into your cost calculation so that you can maintain a sustainable profit margin. As my brand evolved, I became more conscious of sustainability and ethical sourcing. In retrospect, I would have prioritized finding a vendor that met eco friendly standards or offered sustainable materials from the outset.
Final Thoughts In conclusion, finding a good vendor is as much about quality and price as it is about finding a reliable partner who shares your goals. Researching thoroughly, being transparent, and fostering a strong relationship are key elements for a successful partnership. If I were to go back and do it all again, I would have focused even more on building a long term relationship and understood the full picture of costs upfront to avoid surprises later on.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Vienna, I have a big passion for arts, fashion and creativity. I also have a sunglasses brand LalySun, which is currently not active, but I’m working on some big things behind the scenes for it. I’ve got exciting plans in the works, and I’m looking forward to relaunching it when the timing is right. I had the opportunity to take over and grow this unique brand Into Heaven from a close friend who, for personal reasons, could no longer continue running it. They built something truly special, and I saw a lot of potential in the concept and vision. I respected the foundation they laid, and I was excited to take it on and carry the torch forward, building on what they had started continuing the direction of the brand.

Getting into the business of streetwear with a focus on a unique view of the world, philosophy, and deep questioning of the universe and discipline was a natural evolution for me. It’s always been a blend of personal passion, culture, and an interest in challenging norms, which is why I’m drawn to create apparel that makes people think and invites a sense of curiosity. Here’s the backstory of how I got into this business, what I offer, what sets me apart, and what I hope people take away from it.

How I Got Into the Business, the journey into streetwear was an organic process rooted in a desire to communicate ideas through art, fashion, and culture. I’ve always been fascinated by philosophy, the science of human behavior, and the way people interpret the world around them. I wanted to merge those ideas with the streetwear culture I grew up with something that’s not just about style, but about making a statement. Streetwear, for me, became the perfect canvas to express these big questions about the universe, discipline, creativity, and life’s complexities.

Growing up in a world full of distractions and surface level interactions, I wanted my clothing brand to be a way for people to dig deeper both in terms of their aesthetic choices and how they engage with the world. It all started with small sketches and ideas I’d write down in notebooks deep questions like “Is there paradise after life?” or “Are we in reality or not?” I began playing around with those concepts visually. From there, I put some designs on t-shirts and hoodies, just to see if they’d resonate with others who might be looking for the same deeper connection to the world.

Products/Services/Creative Works I offer more than just t-shirts and hoodies. My brand focuses on creating meaningful designs that communicate deeper ideas about life, discipline, and the mysteries of the universe. I produce custom designed t-shirts, hoodies, pants, jackets, and hats. The designs usually incorporate elements of abstract art, philosophical symbols, and visual metaphors that reflect universal questions or societal commentary. These collections are about exclusivity but also about bringing together diverse perspectives to challenge the status quo. For brands or individuals who want to create apparel or projects that challenge conventional thinking. Graphic prints that delve into philosophical or scientific ideas sometimes abstract, sometimes direct but always with the aim of provoking thought and conversation.

The Problems I Solve for My Clients is to encourage self expression. In an era where conformity often feels like the norm, my brand provides a platform for people to express themselves through thought provoking designs. The pieces aren’t just clothes; they’re conversation starters, personal statements, and symbols of individuality. A lot of streetwear focuses on style for style’s sake, but I wanted to provide something that engages people on a deeper level. My designs challenge wearers to think critically about the world they live in about discipline, philosophy, art, and even what it means to be free. Breaking away from superficiality, there’s an oversaturation of fast fashion and surface level branding out there. My brand stands as a counterpoint to that, offering clothing that is purposeful and full of meaning.

What Sets Me Apart, many streetwear brands focus on trends or the latest pop culture references, but I want to offer something that has longevity clothing that speaks to the soul and intellect, not just the market. Each piece of my collection often has a story behind it, tied to bigger ideas about existence, society, and personal growth. My designs are meant to make people pause and think. I don’t just throw graphics on garments; there’s a story and a deeper meaning behind each one. I don’t believe in pumping out endless products just for the sake of sales. I focus on limited edition drops that hold real significance to me and my creative vision. There’s a sense of scarcity and exclusivity that makes owning a piece of the collection feel like part of something special. I’m incredibly proud of the community that has formed around my brand, people who appreciate the deeper layers of the designs and feel connected to the messages behind them. Seeing people who align with my vision, who are intellectually curious, and who use fashion as a way to express that, has been the most rewarding part of the journey. The ability to challenge people’s perceptions of what streetwear can be, and to shift the conversation from pure fashion to something deeper, is something I’m incredibly proud of. My work isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about fostering critical thinking and introspection. When people ask about the meaning behind the design they’re wearing, it opens up space for real conversation, whether it’s about philosophy, the environment, or just personal growth. That’s something that really makes me proud, seeing the connections my pieces spark.
What I Want Potential Clients/Fans to Know About My Brand, We Don’t Do Surface Level: My brand isn’t about being trendy or fitting into a box. It’s about being true to yourself and exploring the deeper questions that are often left unspoken. If you’re someone who thinks beyond the surface and wants to wear something that represents that mindset, you’re in the right place. This is about creating a movement, a space where art, philosophy, and culture intersect. I want people to know that my work is an invitation to explore the deeper questions of existence, discipline, and meaning. It’s not just about wearing clothes; it’s about wearing ideas. Each piece is made with care both in design and production. We don’t rush things. Everything is intentional, from the material choice to the printing techniques, ensuring that the final product isn’t just thought-provoking, but also built to last. Into Heaven is a handcrafted luxury clothing brand, we bring the highest quality to our customers. The brand is a place for discussion and exploration. I encourage everyone who wears it to think critically, share their perspectives, and contribute to the growing conversation about the world we live in. The clothing is just the starting point.
Ultimately, I hope that my brand offers more than just a new hoodie or graphic tee. I want it to offer something that challenges and sparks new thoughts, something that reflects who you are and where you’re headed in the world. If people walk away from my work with just one new question or idea in their mind, then I’ve done my job.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on Instagram for my streetwear brand was a journey of consistency, authenticity, and engagement. Have a clear brand identity, focused on conveying the brand’s message. Challenging norms and encouraging deeper thinking, not just fashion. Shared a mix of behind the scenes, unique content, and photos that resonated with my audience. Responded to comments, DMs, and interacted with followers to build a community. You want to be very interactive online, just as if you are in person. Build relationships by responding and starting conversations, and get feedback. Into heaven start out selling to friends and family, even out on the street. Building connections and word of mouth from the community around. We reposted customers and fans wearing the brand, which helped build community. We used stories for real time engagement and reels for wider reach. Focusing on content trends to bring in more engagement, and run ads. Post regularly, but don’t overwhelm followers. Use relevant hashtags and location tags to increase visibility. Use analytics to refine your strategy. Stay true to your brand, engage authentically, and keep experimenting to grow your presence!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I took over the streetwear business from my friend, I knew it wouldn’t be an easy ride. Initially, I had to put together the capital in a way that involved taking some financial risks. Here’s how I did it, and how I learned that sometimes you have to lose money in order to make money. To start, I didn’t have a huge chunk of savings set aside specifically for this. I was in the middle of launching LalySun, I had to get creative with how I raised the initial capital. I started by self funding as much as I could, tapping into my personal savings. Once I had the initial funds, I invested in key areas: branding, and marketing. However, I quickly realized that I had to be strategic about the investments. There were moments where I spent more than I earned, especially during the early phases when the brand was gaining traction. Losing Money to Make Money: The first few months were a struggle, especially with upfront costs for production, marketing, and logistics. However, I knew this was part of the process. I had to be patient, and I understood that the initial losses were part of building the foundation for something bigger. Slowly, as I refined the brand, built trust, and expanded my audience, things started to turn around. The risk eventually paid off, but it was definitely a case of losing money initially to set the stage for long term growth. The Lesson: The biggest takeaway from this experience was that entrepreneurship is about making calculated risks and understanding that setbacks are part of the journey. Losing money at the start was tough, but it taught me the importance of reinvesting in my brand and being patient with the growth process. Building a business isn’t a straight line sometimes, you have to lose a little to gain a lot. Now, looking back, I see how those early struggles have shaped the success and sustainability of the brand today. It was a lesson in persistence, smart investing, and the patience needed to watch your business evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.intoheaven.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intoheaven.us?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Intoheavenstudios