Despite style being a subjective topic, the pure potential of the We Are EGG brand is general knowledge amongst local Fashion enthusiasts.
Renowned designers, stylists, celebrities and even film makers recently gathered for the launch of its newest department store at the Zone in Rosebank mall, Johannesburg.
Raucous reinterpretations of modern radio hits by a talented band got the crowd moving as classic champagne cocktails and delicious delicacies were offered to guests.
As the lively celebrations continued, Jozi Gist had a quick chat withthe Co-Founder & CEO of this new remarkable revolutionary store, Paul Simon, who in person is contagiously chatty. His naturally cool cadence made our conversation about his business practices and future aspirations for the company very interesting!
Here is what the serial entrepreneur and YDE originator shared with Jozi Gist.
What does tonight represent for you?
Tonight was all about introducing what we have done and a vision that was a long time in the making.
A lot of people had not heard about us despite being open for a month. We also wanted to celebrate the brands we have partnered with that utilized our platform and show consumers out there what South Africa has to offer.
What’s the long-term Vision for this brand?
We have a store in Cape Town and this is our second one in Johannesburg. We would like to open another shop in Durban. The big dream would be to take a South African concept like this overseas, to places like London. The big plan is to take the WE ARE EGG concept overseas with South African talent.
How have you evolved since selling Young Designers Emporium to Truworths?
I started Young Designers Emporium when I was very young. I was 21 and I sold Young Designers Emporium when I was 31. I am now 50 years old so with age one gains a little bit more wisdom.
From a business point of view, Young Designers Emporium was predominantly just fashion but what I have done here is opened a multi-disciplinary department store. We have departments for beauty, home wear, Jewelry and we even have a temperature controlled Green room, where consumers can go and buy their plants from.
We also have an ear-piercing and beauty studio where people can go and get their nails done. This is all under one roof. I like to think of this new store as YDE 2.0.
What would be your advice to young men who want to be entrepreneurs like you?
I often talk to young entrepreneurs and I truly believe people use the word, flippantly. I do believe it is the future, I don’t believe that young people should rely on corporates and Governments for jobs. The one key that I try to share with young people is called the “three times rules” – If you think you need 10,000 to start your business, budget 30,000 – Always multiply what you need by three.
I have seen so many talented entrepreneurs with amazing business skills and great ideas not make it because they gave up too soon. I think if they waited a little bit more, been a little bit more patient and used my 3 times rule principle, they would still be in business!