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Our ladies from the Halsted Women’s Centre had the privilege of embarking on an educational visit to Merclyn Apparels, where they were inspired by the remarkable journey of CEO Mercy Bonney. The visit served as a valuable opportunity for the ladies to engage with a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry and learn essential lessons for their personal and professional growth.

Mercy Bonney shared her passionate journey in fashion designing, detailing how she transformed her dreams into a flourishing business. Here are some critical insights from her experience:

Finding Customers through Personal Branding: Mercy emphasized the importance of personal presentation by sharing her initial struggles to attract customers. She recounted how dressing well not only showcased her designs but also helped her connect with potential clients who admired her style.

Empowerment through Independence: A central theme in Mercy's advice was the significance of financial independence. She encouraged the ladies to "start small and grow with time," stressing the importance of not relying on men for support. This message resonated deeply with the ladies.

Steering Clear of Negative Influences: Mercy advised the ladies to avoid bad influences, particularly from peers who might discourage their aspirations. She underscored the importance of surrounding themselves with supportive individuals who uplift their goals and ambitions.

The Importance of Saving: Mercy highlighted that irrespective of the amount earned, saving should be a priority. She encouraged the ladies to open savings accounts and emphasized that consistent savings can pave the way for future successes in the industry.

Hard Work and Ethical Training: Describing her own work ethic, Mercy shared her experiences of working tirelessly through the night. She also mentioned the significance of avoiding unnecessary competition to reduce pressure. Moreover, she highlighted her commitment to training her students ethically—teaching them the importance of respect and effective communication.

Valuing Self and Continuous Education: Mercy inspired the ladies to value themselves and their work, advising them never to compromise their worth. She also stressed the importance of formal education and encouraged them to pursue knowledge relentlessly.

Embracing Trends and Networking: The CEO shared her strategies for staying relevant in the fashion industry, including leveraging social media for inspiration. With over 50,000 followers on TikTok only, she has built a strong online presence that connects her with a global audience. Mercy emphasized the value of networking with other designers and learning from their experiences.

The visit to Merclyn Apparels proved to be an eye-opening experience for our ladies from the Halsted Women’s Centre. The inspiring journey of Mercy Bonney not only motivated them to pursue their dreams in fashion but also equipped them with practical advice on building a successful career. The ladies left the session feeling empowered, ready to take action, and eager to apply the lessons learned in their own lives.