ABOU NAJA Talks: Rosemin Madhavji’s Take on the Fashion Industry & Intellectual Property
We sat down with some of the region’s brightest and most prominent online figures to discuss entrepreneurial success and the role of Intellectual Property in their ventures.
Our first interview is with a successful entrepreneur, a popular presenter, a top-class celebrity influencer; all rolled into one – Rosemin Madhavji. She is the Founder of RR&CO, a luxury consulting firm in Dubai that provides tailored strategies to some of the world’s leading luxury brands. Today, RR&CO has shifted toward organizing niche events that connect high-net-worth consumers to luxury brands through memorable experiences. She also has a variety of luxury items sold and created under her name; one of them is a Christian Louboutin pair named “The Rosemin.”
I think a company like ABOU NAJA Intellectual Property is definitely what the modern business owner needs
The Early Years
It was during her high school days that Rosemin was first drawn towards the fashion styling industry. She was thrilled to figure out that fashion is not always about showcasing the latest designs, but it was also about giving life to designs through styling. She kept this excitement alive and went on to pursue a degree in Fashion Management from the London College of Fashion, and subsequently leaped into a 13-year long corporate career working with fashion house giants and designers.
From Passion to Business
Rosemin was pleasantly taken by surprise when what started as a mystery shopping exercise transformed into a business opportunity for her in the UAE. Though the launch of her luxury brand consultancy was pure serendipity, her immense fashion sensibility, creativity, and foundation of business ethics led her toward success and growing organically in the field.
Day-to-Day Operations
Apart from helping fashion houses take off and spread their reach in the country, Rosemin is also actively involved as a Digital Influencer and Brand Ambassador in the luxury arena. With her modest sense of dressing and a unique blend of international and regional fashion knowledge, she is the go-to consultant for celebrities in the region.
The Challenges of Being a Fashion Entrepreneur
Rosemin pinpoints efficiency of management and the ever-changing fashion & governmental landscape as the primary challenges of running her business. Further stating that “You have to be not only organised but to really be aware of the environment you are in. If you can afford a business partner or a CFO to help keep you in check that is the best investment you can make.”
She also credits the survivability of RR&Co. to her deep fashion knowledge and knowing how to cater to the taste of her target audience, regardless of the region.
RR&Co. and Intellectual Property
For Rosemin, another key aspect of running a fashion-oriented business is securing one’s intellectual pursuits. She admitted to overlooking this aspect when she first started RR&Co. Failing to trademark the elements of her brand early on has caused her a lot of inconveniences, stating that “not trademarking my logo and the name of my brand really caused a lot of problems. I realized competitors started using my logo. There was one lady who copied my website which was really heartbreaking, she copied everything about it. This is a common mistake of a small business owner like I was when I started my business. I think that’s why brands need companies like ABOU NAJA Intellectual Property to help protect [their] intellectual property going forward.”
She further highlights the importance of intellectual property protection in the digital age, stating that “with everything now [accessible] in social media, whether you’re a small business or a big business, it’s so important to copyright your images [and other creative assets.] I think a company like ABOU NAJA Intellectual Property is definitely what the modern business owner needs.”
Some Inspiring Words from the Fashion Maven
When asked about any insight she would like to impart to budding fashion entrepreneurs, she says to “know what your strengths are and what you want to communicate in the market. My view is it’s better to be a specialist…cause then you really know how to communicate with a specific set of audience.” She also explains how it always pays to perform a SWOT test for yourself and to choose a team for your firm that complements your skills and addresses your weaknesses.
Conclusion
The Canada-born fashion consultant has also made her mark as a media personality through Dubai One’s trending lifestyle show titled Style One. When she is not involved in brand collaborations, you can find her running her business and hosting high-profile events.
For more of Rosemin, just give her a follow at @roseminsworld.
