Duku Boutique and Tailoring | Application Preview
Duku Boutique and Tailoring is applying for government grants to support its growth and operational needs. The funding will be allocated as follows: $2,500 to restock fabric, with 90% intended for resale and the rest for marketing through fashion shows and photo shoots; $2,000 for advertising during the prom and wedding season; $1,500 to purchase new sewing equipment; and $2,500 to bolster business savings for unexpected expenses.
The business aims for significant milestones: achieving self-employment and a weekly income of $1,000 by January 2021, opening the first shop by June 2022, and increasing monthly income to $12,000 by January 2023 with plans to hire employees and launch a ready-to-wear bridal collection. By January 2024, Duku Boutique plans to open a larger shop offering ready-to-wear clothing and seamstress services, projecting monthly revenues of $20,000 to $30,000. By January 2025, the goal is to have bridal collections available in multiple stores, expanding the team to 10-15 employees and reaching a monthly income of $50,000 after expenses.
The applicant’s personal story adds depth to the request for funding. Hailing from South Sudan and overcoming considerable adversity, the journey of starting this business is deeply personal, symbolizing resilience and a commitment to helping others. Duku Boutique distinguishes itself from competitors by offering custom-made African garments tailored to the unique sizes of its clientele in Texas, particularly in Houston and Dallas, which host a large African community. The primary need is increased exposure to reach potential customers.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 636964657
Location: Arlington, TX, United States
Length of Operation: 4
Number of Employees:
Annual Gross Income:
Annual Gross Expense:
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
With the funds I will use $2500 to restock on fabric. 90% of the fabric will be resold and the remainder used for fashion shows and photo shoots for marketing. $2000 for prom and wedding season advertising. $1500 to purchase a new sewing machine, serger and mannequin fro sewing. From 2017 to now my equipment have gotten rusty and slow so I will be updating them to help me keep up with the business. The remaining $2500 will be put in my business savings for any other unplanned expense. Such as keeping machines up to date, any extra marketing or Covid part 3.
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Business Plan
By January 2021, I want to be self employed, making $1000 a week. By June 2022, I will like to open my first shop. By January 2023, I will be making $12000 a month after expenses. I will have 1-2 hired employees. I will also be releasing a ready to wear bridal collection. By January 2024, I will open a new and bigger shop. Here I will sell ready to wear clothing and also do seamstress work. My monthly projections. are $20000-$30000. By January 2025, I will have my ready to wear bridal collections in multiple stores. Hire 10-15 more employees to help with sewing. I will be making $50000 monthly after expenses. I’m originally from South Sudan. When we came to the U.S I had already been sexually abused, seen a family being abused, lost my grandma, grandpa and uncle to hate crimes back home, and been abandoned by my father. My business is very personal to me! It’s about taking back my freedom and peace. Clothes use to be something I hid in but now it’s my freedom to say that life can put you through trails but never take your joy. Through everything I’ve been through I laugh and smile because I know I will succeed. And when I do, I will use my freedom to help other kids like me find theirs.
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Self Identified Competition
Laviebyck Ofuure Grass-fields What makes me different from my competitors is that they are not located near me. So African wear is growing, but most people like to get their African wear custom made. Most African women’s waist and hips differ significantly from eachother making it hard for them to fit in ready to wear clothing. Right now I am the bridge for Africans in Texas. Texas, especially Houston and Dallas have a huge African community consisting of Nigerians, Sudanese, Congolese and Liberians. The biggest thing I need is exposure!
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Contact Applicant
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