ROOCI
For almost a month now, we've been self-employed. That's right...we're done working for "the man"!!! whatever that means lol We are now our own bosses!!! We've started a business and now work from home!! How cool/exciting/terrifying/crazy/fun is that?!!?
Do you remember in a previous post I mentioned that Aljay quit his job and had another job lined up to work for Vivent (Home security systems)? Well, even though Vivent would have been a great opportunity in terms of income and better work environment...he decided that instead he was going to do something he's been putting off for a long time.
and now for the back story...
THE DREAM
Aljay's long time goal has always been to run a successful family business that would be able to support everyone in his family, not just his wife and kids, but his siblings and their families. He wants to be able to retire his parents and have them live comfortably. He's always talked about having all his siblings live in the same neighborhood in a cul-de-sac where our kids can hang out and grow up together. The siblings will be able to use their talents to build a business that would allow everyone to have financial security.
Not an uncommon dream. Lot's of people want this for their families.
FIRST ATTEMPT
The type of business he wanted so start was a Tshirt business where he could design and sell his own shirts. He tried to start it up in Hawaii...bought a T shirt printer and screens ($$$) and set up shop in the kitchen of our one bedroom apartment. He was able to print a few orders, but there wasn't enough profit. The timing wasn't right. We didn't have the time, space, or capital to really dedicate ourselves to the business. There was no set direction or focus, just the desire to get started and a dream in a pocket. With no startup money, no business plan, no time or solid direction, and pressure to provide for our small family in a less than economical Hawaii, the business venture flopped.
All the money spent on the machine and supplies were not totally wasted though. Thankfully, Lahvjal was able to get the most use out of the machine while working on his undergrad degree. That brought me some peace of mind (that printer was expensive!!!) It felt like our investment was helping to further another's education lol. Good thing though, because Lahvjal's talents would play a big factor in startup of RoociWear.
Second Attempt
A few years later we are now living in Utah with three kids, a house, and another baby on the way...aaannd Aljay quits his job, turns down another job offer, and decides to just go all in and start up the business again.
[Go big or go home ay...or in this case Go Big or Go Broke lol]
This time, he would have a better idea of what the business is going to be, what it will stand for, and most importantly who he needs to get it started.
Enter >> Lahvjal. The graphic designer, web developer, and younger brother. Aljay and Lahvjal are no doubt super talents whose gifts really compliment each other. They worked together to push out their first designs and are selling through Facebook, making marginal profits.
Their creative talents combined produce some really amazing things..... but okaaaaa they are each others biggest headaches when they're working together lol. But throughout this start up process they have learned how to respect each other's opinion and work together to be more efficient. Of course not all the kinks are worked out and they still get on each others nerves, but things are better. They both recognize that they need each other in order for this business to work. In order for the business to grow, expand, and become what they want it to become....they sure as heck need to work together lol. Because now they are business partners and have started the journey to creating their own clothing brand.
RoociWear
Madigan Lahvjal Fuimaono
Vice President and Cofounder
Cassandra Fuimaono
Executive Operations and HR President
(They though my "Madame Secretary" wasn't professional sounding enough)
Penny Fuimaono
Style Director
Do you remember in a previous post I mentioned that Aljay quit his job and had another job lined up to work for Vivent (Home security systems)? Well, even though Vivent would have been a great opportunity in terms of income and better work environment...he decided that instead he was going to do something he's been putting off for a long time.
and now for the back story...
THE DREAM
Aljay's long time goal has always been to run a successful family business that would be able to support everyone in his family, not just his wife and kids, but his siblings and their families. He wants to be able to retire his parents and have them live comfortably. He's always talked about having all his siblings live in the same neighborhood in a cul-de-sac where our kids can hang out and grow up together. The siblings will be able to use their talents to build a business that would allow everyone to have financial security.
Not an uncommon dream. Lot's of people want this for their families.
FIRST ATTEMPT
The type of business he wanted so start was a Tshirt business where he could design and sell his own shirts. He tried to start it up in Hawaii...bought a T shirt printer and screens ($$$) and set up shop in the kitchen of our one bedroom apartment. He was able to print a few orders, but there wasn't enough profit. The timing wasn't right. We didn't have the time, space, or capital to really dedicate ourselves to the business. There was no set direction or focus, just the desire to get started and a dream in a pocket. With no startup money, no business plan, no time or solid direction, and pressure to provide for our small family in a less than economical Hawaii, the business venture flopped.
All the money spent on the machine and supplies were not totally wasted though. Thankfully, Lahvjal was able to get the most use out of the machine while working on his undergrad degree. That brought me some peace of mind (that printer was expensive!!!) It felt like our investment was helping to further another's education lol. Good thing though, because Lahvjal's talents would play a big factor in startup of RoociWear.
Second Attempt
A few years later we are now living in Utah with three kids, a house, and another baby on the way...aaannd Aljay quits his job, turns down another job offer, and decides to just go all in and start up the business again.
[Go big or go home ay...or in this case Go Big or Go Broke lol]
This time, he would have a better idea of what the business is going to be, what it will stand for, and most importantly who he needs to get it started.
Enter >> Lahvjal. The graphic designer, web developer, and younger brother. Aljay and Lahvjal are no doubt super talents whose gifts really compliment each other. They worked together to push out their first designs and are selling through Facebook, making marginal profits.
Their creative talents combined produce some really amazing things..... but okaaaaa they are each others biggest headaches when they're working together lol. But throughout this start up process they have learned how to respect each other's opinion and work together to be more efficient. Of course not all the kinks are worked out and they still get on each others nerves, but things are better. They both recognize that they need each other in order for this business to work. In order for the business to grow, expand, and become what they want it to become....they sure as heck need to work together lol. Because now they are business partners and have started the journey to creating their own clothing brand.
RoociWear
So the brand is RoociWear. The concept is based around the characteristics of a rookie- being a hard worker, being dedicated, and having humility.
As of right now, they are pushing out shirts to generate some money. The official website is coming soon and their first line of clothing is in the works.
R O O C I
Real Ones Only Create It
instagram: roociwear
Pretty cool if you ask me.
How are we feeling about all this?
Wheeww...where to begin...which emotion should I tap into first? lol
When making the decision to start this business both Aljay and I pondered and prayed about it with more intent than usual. This is our livelihood we're talking about, we need to make sure we are 100% for sure about this decision before we go all in. Obviously it felt right to do it, but it also meant we have to uphold our end of the bargain. We know that we absolutely need the Lords help mentally, physically, and spiritually which means we have to make sure we are doing everything we are supposed to be doing and ALWAYS consult with the Creator in all that we do.
When making the decision to start this business both Aljay and I pondered and prayed about it with more intent than usual. This is our livelihood we're talking about, we need to make sure we are 100% for sure about this decision before we go all in. Obviously it felt right to do it, but it also meant we have to uphold our end of the bargain. We know that we absolutely need the Lords help mentally, physically, and spiritually which means we have to make sure we are doing everything we are supposed to be doing and ALWAYS consult with the Creator in all that we do.
Aljay has never been more excited about work. He loves what he is doing. We both are. It is so nice to see him doing what he loves and is passionate about. And it is so nice to have him home with us, even though he is busy working. Having him at physically here with us is always comforting.
That's not to say that everything is fine and dandy. There is of course fear, uncertainty, nervousness...what about the haters, the critics, the "suggesters" who love to give alllll the suggestions, the need to be original and on top of our game....and then of course the issue of money. We still got bills and mouths to feed and we can't pay for either with good feelings or other people's opinions. Will this make enough money? Will we be able to make ends meet and run the business? Will this business take off the way we hoped? How the heck do we take care of the accounting aspect of this? Can we ship international? Should we just focus on only Utah? Is a maternity line going to come out anytime :)?
So many questions, so many concerns, so much room for doubt and insecurity. But right now, we stay focused, stay hungry, and stay on the grind.
I am so excited, happy, and proud of Aljay and Lahvjal. I have faith in them and know that they are capable of greatness. Love these guys and can't wait until everyone is integrated in the family business :) They are too talented not to try getting this business started.
I can't speak for Lahvjal and Penny but I'm pretty sure they are just as excited!!
The other night we had official first meeting...it was pretty cool. Among many other business related items, we came up with everyone's official titles..
Wilford Aljay Fuimaono
President and Founder
Madigan Lahvjal Fuimaono
Vice President and Cofounder
Cassandra Fuimaono
Executive Operations and HR President
(They though my "Madame Secretary" wasn't professional sounding enough)
Penny Fuimaono
Style Director
Haha it was fun.
There's A LOT of work to be done, but it's enjoyable work.
There's A LOT of work to be done, but it's enjoyable work.
It's exciting, it's motivating, it's new, it's a lot of learning.....but we're taking it one day at a time.
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