Today we’d like to introduce you to Arief Naen.
Hi Arief, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started this creative fashion business in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have a passion for photography, focusing on natural landscapes. From my personal photo collection, I had a strong desire to use them to promote regional tourism. This sparked the idea of selling these photos on clothing, specifically printed jerseys and screen-printed t-shirts.
At that time I didn’t have enough money to start producing the clothes I created, I only sold clothing designs which I then spread through social media where at that time I only accepted free orders and then from those orders I asked for payment from customers so I could use the money to produce them.
I did this continuously for a year. The following year, I had enough money from the previous year’s earnings to build a fashion brand called DISTRO NNC (Naen Noan Clothing) and to open a small shop in front of my house.
From this small shop, I began to attract a lot of interest in the clothes I sold. Then, orders from various offices, organizations, communities, and other individuals began to increase
I did it all myself, selling my creative ideas into this fashion venture. Through this venture, several important figures began to recognize me and gave me a good impression. In 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in the IVLP USA program, hosted by the US Embassy in Indonesia, for a full month.
To date, my business continues to thrive and continues to grow daily. Many new customers have arrived, and they are generally satisfied with the design and quality of the products I create.
My mission is not only to gain profit from this fashion business, but also to introduce and promote Natuna regional tourism through the jersey that I created.
I always update new things all the time so that my business continues to grow and is increasingly in demand by many people both at home and abroad.
I always create new designs every day so that my customers can make purchases at any time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, I’ve encountered obstacles and challenges in running this business. I ran out of capital, didn’t have enough reserves, experienced losses, experienced fraud from colleagues, experienced delays in production, ran out of stock, and even nearly went bankrupt due to mismanagement.
We’ve been impressed with DISTRO NNC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DISTRO NNC is a shop selling a variety of clothing themed around the natural beauty of Natuna Island. Currently, it’s the only souvenir shop in Natuna that offers clothing with a Natuna tourism theme.
I create the concepts and designs for these clothes myself and sell them myself.
Every month, I release new patterns to give buyers a wide selection. I create new designs daily with great color combinations.
I use high-quality materials in every product I create to ensure customers are always satisfied with the quality of the products I sell.
I also offer free design services tailored to each customer’s needs.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m open to anyone, anywhere, to collaborate with me to grow this business and expand it. I need a major investor to make these business plans a reality. I have many future business plans in the fashion industry. You can contact me via email at naennoan@gmail.com
Pricing:
- 10 USD/PCS
- 12 USD/PCS
- 15 USD/PCS
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/distro_nnc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17YcpCmZLg/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@naennoan9639
Image Credits
my personal photos, product photos and business photos
