Fashion Leaders Series: How to Build a Fashion and Apparel Company that Lasts with Harvey Viteychuk
Join Jacqueline for this installment of our SFA Fashion Leaders Series with our guest, and SFA Board Member, Harvey Viteychuk!
Harvey is the owner and one of the founders of Fashions by “MEE” Ltd. He and his brother started the company 33 years ago manufacturing sportswear in Saskatoon. Their line, MEE Sports, has evolved over the years to become a boutique custom team sportswear manufacturer that sells across Canada, and into the US.
In Harvey’s interview, the topic “How to build a Fashion & Apparel Company that lasts. ” was explored.
Check out the interview video, as well as a summary of Harvey’s key points below!
Key Points
Follow Your Passion
Harvey and his brother started Fashions by Mee from their shared passion for fitness. The started their factory together 33 years ago in Saskatoon, SK!
They did all the design, cutting, and sewing and expanded their business as they went.
They evolved to create custom sportswear in cheerleading and dance, as well as, screenprinting for their clients throughout North America.
Building a Client Base
“When you have a good product that people love, they will continue to speak about your products.”
For Fashions by MEE their client base grew from word of mouth.
By focusing on service they have several repeat customers.
They have built an online presence to create know, like, and trust with their potential customers.
If clients try offshore producers they are always welcome back!
They ensure quality and standards are always upheld! They will delay an order at the manufacturing stage to ensure they always deliver a superior product.
Quick delivery is very important in their business and to their clients. They offer a 3 week turn around time with a 12 piece minimum order. Many other factories want a 200 piece minimum order.
“We fix problems before something goes out the door!”
Using Technology to Grow Business Opportunities
Domestic manufacturing presents many challenges through the growth of globalization and offshore manufacturing.
Fashions by Mee specialized their offerings to a niche market for their business to compete with offshore manufacturing. They focus on women’s sportswear in the cheerleading and dance industry and use technology to offer a unique product.
Sublimation printing is a specialized manufacturing technique that cuts production time by 40% and allows Harvey and his team to create very custom looking sportswear products. This system is one reason why they are a great fit for the cheerleading and dance markets.
98% of what they create at Fashions by Mee uses the sublimation technique, which gives them full control over things like colour and appeals to their key markets.
100% Saskatchewan Made and Manufactured
Everything they produce is made in house in Saskatoon, SK!
All their systems are computerized, so they can quickly develop patterns, grade those patterns and get projects into production!
Harvey’s Business Tips
“Ask… What are we doing differently? And act through service and design.”
Innovation, differentiation, and specialization will set you apart in the market!
Find a niche market and serve that niche with impeccable service.
Be open to change! Fashions by Mee doesn’t look anything like it did when we started.
Know our strengths and weaknesses as leaders and have of your team!
Hire people based on passion! You can always teach them the skill, but they must have drive for what they’re doing.
