As a dancer, have you ever wondered about the significance of the clothes on your back? Why do specific shoes wield such an impact on your overall performance? The truth is, what you wear matters. Unless, of course, you're performing nude, a niche more common within contemporary dance. For most dancers, the selection of brands and gear in their closet is a deliberate choice, a conscious decision shaping their dance journey.
A notable name in this arena is SMK Dancewear, a label bearing the imprint of its founder and designer, Sandra Meynier Kang. Let's see what she has to say!
Talent/inspiration or vision (call it how you like) is nothing if you don’t have a team around you to help,challenge & transcribe this vision.
The adage "safety in numbers'' rings true. While there are undoubtedly leaders who thrive in solitude, the strength of a collective effort often surpasses individual endeavors. Consider the iconic figures of innovation: Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak, Zuckerberg had Eduardo Saverin. These dynamic duos illustrate that behind every exceptional leader stands a dedicated team, each member contributing a unique piece to the grand puzzle. Sandra, while the namesake of her company, acknowledges the pivotal roles played by her two esteemed colleagues, YoungAh, the brand manager, and Mrs. Kim, the skilled seamstress and producer of SMK collections. This trifecta forms the cornerstone of the company's success, with each member wielding their expertise to transform Sandra's vision into tangible creations. Together, they orchestrate studio photoshoots featuring ballet dancers as models, capturing the essence of SMK Dancewear's artistry.
Spanning beyond borders, SMK Dancewear extends its reach from its Korean origins to countries such as Japan, France, and Singapore, the latter marked by a fruitful collaboration with Sonata Dancewear. Yet, amidst this international expansion, Sandra's greatest collaborator remains her husband, a steadfast supporter and the creative genius behind the brand's digital presence. In the world of leadership and creation, whether in dance or entrepreneurship, the transformative potential lies in the collective orchestra of talents, where individuals harmonize their strengths to bring forth greatness. Just as the body is a masterpiece of interconnected parts, a company achieves its pinnacle when its team operates in unison, translating inspiration into reality.
Never giving up, I believe that the one who stands through the storm will finally get where he wants to be.
Beyond my identity as a dancer and art enthusiast lies a lesser-known fact of my character — a fervent passion for sports, especially with football. As a devoted supporter of Liverpool Football Club, I find solace and inspiration in the iconic anthem that encapsulates the spirit of the team: "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry and the Pacemakers. This resonating melody has often accompanied me through my personal trials and tribulations, serving as a guiding light during moments of adversity.
Navigating a business mirrors the challenges of a football match, where determination and strategic thinking are crucial. The allure of autonomy and transformative impact is balanced against the grueling demands of establishing a brand, ensuring its presence in the market, and sustaining profitability to uphold the well-being of all employees.
Sandra's nine-year tenure as the director of SMK Dancewear has been a saga characterized by obstacles and valuable lessons. Several failed partnerships, misguided investments, and moments of self-doubt casted shadows over the initial decision to embark on this venture. Not every opportunity is a golden one, and not all partnerships hold genuine intentions. While we may not be navigating the ruthless waters of Wall Street, the principles of vigilance and discretion remain steadfast in entrepreneurship.
Amidst the tumultuous seas of business, the resounding message is clear: Never give up. Sandra's unwavering belief in weathering the storm to reach one's destination underscores the perseverance required to emerge victorious. Potential saviors and propositions may beckon, but the ultimate salvation is one's own resolve. In essence, the mantra of "You'll Never Walk Alone" holds true not only on the football field but also in the entrepreneurial world. Each step forward, even amidst adversity, forges a path toward the desired destination, reminding us that we are the captains of our own ship, charting a course to triumph through the storms.
Love. Loving your customers, being grateful for every one of them and of what you have already achieved.
A business, much like a ship, requires a captain at its helm, a leader who steers its course through the ever-changing tides of commerce. Without this guiding force, the vessel flounders, directionless and adrift. Equally indispensable, however, are the passengers who embark upon this voyage – the customers. In the words of a memorable quote from the beloved comedy series "The Office," "Business is about relationships." In dance, the lines between customers and audiences often blur. These individuals don't merely buy tickets, products, or services; they engage with our art, immerse themselves in our narratives, and become an integral part of the experience. In essence, they fuel the very existence of our creative endeavors.
When stormy days cloud our path, and the skies of uncertainty threaten to obscure our vision, the unwavering support of these patrons becomes the lighthouse guiding us back to safe shores. Sandra, for example, not only treasures her customers but also extends a warm embrace by hosting open studio days, another enduring tradition on top of the product photoshoots. During these events, customers step into a world beyond clothing, indulging in delectable food and drinks while perusing the elegantly displayed garments. SMK Dancewear isn't solely a seller of attire; it's a creator of garments that enkindle joy and a community of contented souls. Hence, it transcends being an apparel venture to become one of human connections. In truth, isn't every business fundamentally a people's business? It's through these relationships – be it with customers, collaborators, or colleagues – that businesses are born, nurtured, and propelled forward. When we recognize this truth, we see that every transaction is a nuanced dance between humanity and ambition, woven into the grand tapestry of commerce.
Check out the full episode here
06.06.2024
