FOLLOWING the pandemic, Wilson Limon, the creative director behind the famous brand Niñofranco, admitted that the fashion industry was greatly affected. He shared that with the fact that the industry where he belongs is non-essential, he suffered along with many others in the same line of business.
The well-rounded entrepreneur talked about his experience during the virtual briefing aDunay Tamang Impormasyon of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao Region on August 12. The said program was shown on the Facebook page DTI Region 11 live.
According to him, no one expected the pandemic to happen. Much more, no one anticipated that the magnitude of its negative impact would be too much. However, amid the situation, he looked for ways to cope up with the challenges.
Just like the widely popular line of Miss Universe Catriona Gray, Limon saw a silver lining and seized the opportunity that came with it.
“Nakita kong opportunity ay ‘yong mask. I decided to produce different kinds of masks,” said the Dabawenyo designer, who is among Gray’s favorites. It is worth noting that the beauty queen has already worn several pieces from Limon’s fashion line, even on the international stage and runway.
From posting a zero income in April 2020, Limon and Niñofranco have slowly regained their place in the market. Orders have been placed once again.
Apart from tapping such an opportunity, Limon has also strengthened his online presence and maximized the digital platforms in promoting his brand further. He has continued to market and sell through the photo-sharing app Instagram and added another, which can make shopping a breeze for his customers. He launched his own website and made sure that its user interface is friendly and easy to navigate. Since then, they have been accepting orders from various clients, including from new ones.
His passion and commitment have paid off. Thus, he has continuously extended a hand to the different indigenous peoples' communities in Mindanao, which have been his partners in creating his sought-after fashion pieces and staples.
“I am very grateful to DTI for all the assistance it has extended to us. I couldn’t imagine our brand without the help of DTI,” said Limon, who cited the agency’s help in equipping him in running his business.
In the meantime, DTI chief for micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development Marie Anne How noted that the office has likewise innovated its interventions to become more responsive. Among these are the training programs on digital marketing and upgrading their skills in product development and packaging. The Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program has gone online as well to continuously mold the entrepreneurs in all aspects of business operation.
“We want our entrepreneurs to keep going despite the pandemic; that’s why, we have already adopted some innovations,” she said.
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