Technology has revolutionized how we live, work, and connect, transforming the workplace by increasing efficiency. Tasks that used to take hours or even days to complete manually can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time.
Entrepreneurs are also benefiting from the impact of emerging technology on their businesses. It provides new opportunities to start and grow businesses, reach customers, and streamline operations. Many entrepreneurs have expanded their customer base through leveraging technology.
In an exclusive interview with The Abiketreasure, Afiya Bishop, a global resort wear designer at Loud by Afiya discussed their mission and how they are leveraging emerging technology to achieve their goals.
Tell us about Loud by Afiya?
Loud by Afiya is a women’s empowerment resort wear fashion brand-based in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its bold, vibrant, and empowering designs. Our last brand embodies the spirit of individuality and self-expression, catering to those who dare to stand out and make a statement. At Loud by Afiya, we believe that fashion is not just about clothing but about creating a unique identity and embracing one’s true self.
Take us through the journey of how you started your fashion brand and what inspired your creations.
The journey of Loud by Afiya began with a deep-seated passion for fashion and a desire to create something truly unique. From a young age, I was fascinated by the transformative power of clothing and how it can reflect one’s personality and make people feel better. At 16, I asked my mom to use her credit card to order clothing online and have them shipped to Trinidad. I created a catalog on Excel and sold these clothes to my teachers and my mother’s coworkers.
While studying Art and Design for my CAPE exams at Tranquility Government Secondary School, I put on my first fashion show. With support from my Art and Clothing and Textiles teacher, I designed, dyed the fabric and sewed my first collection. The school allowed me to showcase my creations at a school event and my friends modeled my designs. While at Secondary School, The University of Trinidad and Tobago came to my school to do a presentation on their fashion programs. There one of the Directors scouted me as a model. And that was my first real introduction to Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion industry.
I went on to study Fashion Management at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, where I was inspired to open my own boutique at the age of 21. Initially, I bought clothing wholesale and sold it retail. However, my clients soon wanted something different, so I started designing my own clothing. My designs quickly outpaced the wholesale garments in popularity.
Inspired by powerful women and their lives, I began designing for the woman I aspired to become. After years of honing my skills and gaining a deep understanding of the fashion industry, I launched Loud by Afiya and opened another store in Trinidad, this time exclusively selling my designs.
Today, my business model has evolved. My designs are sold through other retailers and on my website. I also do pop-up shops regionally and internationally. My designs are sold in Jamaica, Barbados, New York and locally in Trinidad and Tobago. The inspiration behind our creations remains the same: to celebrate diversity and empower women to be unapologetically themselves and express themselves boldly.
What technology application do you leverage to enhance the productivity of the brand?
At Loud by Afiya, we leverage several technology applications to enhance our productivity and streamline our operations. We use AI software and Adobe software to create ads, write scripts, edit and create content and AI marketing tools on our website. I also use it to design prints to print fabric. Additionally, we employ project management tools to keep track of our design process, production schedules, and inventory management.
For marketing and customer engagement, we utilize social media platforms and analytics tools to reach a wider audience and understand our customers’ preferences. Our e-commerce platform is optimized with the latest technology to provide a seamless shopping experience for our customers, complete with personalized recommendations and easy navigation.
Share with us a successful collaboration experience that significantly impacted your brand?
One of our most successful collaborations was with a renowned On-Air Fashion Expert Antonia Fifi who was born in Trinidad and Tobago but currently lives in Canada. Known for her unique and bold style. This collaboration showed our Versatile Kaftan and Swimsuit which sold out minutes after she posted a reel showing out designs. That resonated deeply with our audience. The synergy between our brand’s aesthetic brought fresh eyes to our designs.
This collaboration not only increased our brand’s visibility but also helped us connect with a new demographic of international clients who appreciated our brands fashion and creativity.
What are the future plans for Loud by Afiya?
The future of Loud by Afiya is bright and full of exciting possibilities. We plan to expand our product line to include a wider range of clothing using our own printed fabrics, catering to different styles and preferences while maintaining our signature bold and vibrant aesthetic. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our presence in the global market by exploring new distribution channels and establishing partnerships with international retailers.
We are also committed to sustainability and ethical practices in fashion. Future plans include integrating more eco-friendly shipping materials
In essence, Loud by Afiya will continue to innovate, inspire, and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry, all while staying true to our core values of individuality, diversity, and self-expression.