Student Enterprise @ Purple Door

 
Street King

AUTHOR: Lee Murwira
EMAIL: leemurwira@hotmail.com
DATE: 20/01/2011 		*
 

Lee studies at the University of Portsmouth.  His business, Street King specialises in Hip Hop and Urban wear predominately for men and currently diversifying to include a female range.  The idea of Street King came from operating and working on various markets nationwide.  Lee noticed that there was a considerable lack of Hip Hop and Urban merchandise, despite the ready demand which had and has been created through the Hip Hop and Urban music genre. It became apparent that not only was this type of music influential to its followers but it also created a "Culture" whose clothing demands were alien to local and national retailers.

Lee then spent a lengthy period of time (over 2 years) conducting practical intense market research to further investigate the market and learn more of its demand.  This research would not have been sufficient and practical, had he based it solely on his local area so Lee operated several market stalls.  By doing this, Lee had perfect mobility of his resources and could easily move from different other markets without straining any commitments as opposed to operating from a shop/retail premises. Today, after the research and experience, Lee owns and controls his own brand, Street King which he will continue retailing from the Streets, i.e. market stalls nationwide!

Lee believes that his biggest challenge has been acquiring the knowledge for his particular market and business in general.  He believes in any business undertaking you have to do your homework and have to equip yourself with every "general" aspect of your business.  Once you acquire all the knowledge possible then you can match your dreams and passion to reality. The only way you can learn business is by doing business, homework will help you avoid the common pitfalls.

Lee’s tip for anyone interested in starting their own business, “Business is not about `the fallacy of a great idea` (everyone has one!) but the execution of that idea.  Ideas are very unlikely to make you rich on their own.  Concentrate on the execution of your idea rather than immersing your mind with a perfect idea that will never come to fruition. 

 

What does the future hold for StreetKing?

We have continued to set the pace, distinguish and place the brand in a class of its own in the hip hop/urban wear scene through engaging professional designers (local and international) to add range and variety to our collection. We have also added footwear and accessories to our range! The scope of the brand is constantly expanding, so we have now made the decision to launch and operate from London! The move to London will place us right in the middle of other 'local brands' that lack in creativity thus enabling StreetKing to shine through and establish as the UK's first finest hip hop/urban wear brand!
[ - - 07.12.2009]

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