The smart way to start a business

Newsletter abonnieren


Blog

A Young Entrepreneur’s Passion Pays Off

Tanja Oehl discovered her passion for fabrics already at an early age, and she received her first orders when she was just nine. When she was 15, she began her dressmaker’s apprenticeship although many people advised her against it. Today she is 23 years old and runs her own award-winning dressmaker’s workshop in Basel.

Entrepreneurial Acumen Already as a Child

Already when she was nine years old, Tanja Oehl discovered her passion for fabrics. She sewed a small bed for her pet dog, and soon she could make her pocket money by having her dog beds sold. Finally, at the age of 15 years, she embarked on her dressmaker’s apprenticeship although many people advised her against it due to the relatively low income and scarcity of jobs in this profession. However, the young lady did not let deter her and followed her passion. ‘It would not be in line for me to work somewhere in an office. This would not absolutely be my cup of tea,’ says Oehl.  After three years of her vocational training she got a regular job at a fabric store, where she worked full-time. Yet, one weekday when she was working in her shop, she immediately ventured the first step into self-employment. Tanja Oehl was successful, and with her fresh dressmaker’s shop Couture Stilvoll she could move from the Basel Greater Area to Basel’s city centre. At the same time, she reduced her working hours in the fabric store to 40 %. And her business in Basel worked so well that she could move to a shop with display windows and walk-in customers. For two years the young dressmaker has now been offering one-year apprenticeship programmes. After the apprenticeship she would like to give her trainees a permanent job.

Courage, Willpower and, Above All, Lifeblood Are Required

Meanwhile, Tanja Oehl not only makes alterations, but she also designs her own collection of evening dresses. She can live well from her work, but she says that you still have to struggle. But when you really want something, you will also make it. The uncertainty with which every month you have to face new things is part of being an entrepreneur. Especially in summertime she has less customers because people are away due to holidays. The biggest crutch for Tanja Oehl, however, is the carnival, during which she is fully stretched sewing costumes.

In late June the Basel resident could accept the First BÂLEnce award as a personality who has engaged herself with her business in exemplary fashion. In addition, she has been hired as a dressmaker by E.E. Zunft.

Source: 20Minuten

 

Do you have any innovative business idea you would like to make come true? Use STARTUPS.CH experts to become self-employed.

» Startups Scene» Found online

New comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *