This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
Staying Afloat Amidst the Pandemic ¶
As a business owner, Ruby Amondi has faced her fair share of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. With reports of businesses closing down and people losing their jobs, she knew she had to act fast to keep her business afloat.
"In an emergency, you have to act fast," she says. "You don't sit in a burning house sad about the fact that it's on fire. The first thing is to figure out how to get out before you suffocate or get burned to death."
For Ruby, this meant compromising on prices and being sensitive to her customers' pockets. She reduced her profit margin from 100% to 50% to ensure her business stayed afloat.
"It's not just a matter of selling clothes, it's a matter of actually listening to clients and attending to their needs," Ruby explains. "I seek to help the client achieve the design they desire."
She also emphasizes the importance of flexibility in business during the pandemic. "You'll also be surprised at how much people appreciate being listened to," she says. "They feel like you are taking the time to understand them and they hold you in high regard."
During the pandemic, Ruby has also seen an increase in demand for face masks. She has made them available countrywide, following WHO standards to ensure safety.
"My work also seeks to empower women, which is my goal actually," Ruby says. "As a woman myself, I believe my life is an example that women need to figure out what they can do as long as they earn an honest living."
She has managed to supply her products to a few women who sell them at retail prices and also does tutorials on different subjects, including designing.
"Most definitely, people can aspire to do what I do," Ruby says. "It's not a get rich quick scheme but it's definitely very fulfilling to watch your designs and aspirations come to life and to see customers appreciate your work."
