Meet Wasim, 26, from East Londres. Es director of Upper Class Fashions Ltd, a leather goods company. Part of our Bitesize series on the world of work.
What is your job?
We are wholesalers and partial stores of leather garments, such as leather jackets and leather accessories. We also have a factory in our warehouse, where we manufacture custom-made items. My main role is to oversee the purchase and promotion of our jackets. However, when we run out of staff, I pass out and pack the jackets; That’s all we really need. It’s also an online activity, so there’s that facet as well.
What do you do day-to-day?
I buy all the equipment, as well as all the zippers and fabrics we want to make the jackets, as well as manage the equipment. I have a lot of meetings. Sometimes meetings are held at our doorstep, which is nice. Sometimes I travel to Europe, Asia, or South America for meetings, so I travel a lot. I also spend a lot of time researching the market, because the market is becoming very converting. A lot. We want to make sure we have the right style. If I have free time, I like to stay in the workshop and help customers, which I enjoy.
What did you do in school?
When our accountant finishes my books, it gives me a greater understanding of how to read them. I also do the day-to-day bookkeeping. Business studies helped me with techniques such as quality control and marketing skills. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I had to have back surgery, so I took a whole year off. I have a lot of ideas after the operation. I got offers from a few colleges, but I dropped out of college because I had the idea of ending up running here. I thought I might have an advantage as well.
What skills do you use in your work?
The main one is general computing skills, including Photoshop to edit the photos for our website and catalogues. I also use marketing software on a day-to-day basis. Being multilingual is vital in our business. I have learnt Spanish and Urdu. Good communication with our global customers and suppliers is key. I’ve also learnt strong management and leadership skills, and time management skills.
How did you get into this job?
Being a family business, I felt like I was going to end up here and be a part of the company. As I grew older after my back surgery, I started turning to the family business and fell in love with it. My father started this business in the 1980s, and as I got older, I was given the idea that I would be needed to help him. I knew that once I finished my studies, I would come and paint here. My brother and I also didn’t take control of the company.
Was it smooth?
In any business there are ups and downs. There are a lot of hectic days that exhaust you. After my back surgery, I had a lot of physical limitations, but that time I learned other skills!
Don’t feel like you have to get a degree. You don’t have to go through traditional management to find a job.
There are many other tactics to succeed; As long as you have a hobby and motivation, that’s fine.
The salary and working hours when you own a business can vary enormously but what’s most important is that you work hard and love what you do.
Self-employment is another one for each user and for each company, but in general it means that:
You can be a painter or a freelancer. For example, you can work for your employer during the day and run your own business in the evenings and on weekends. It’s vital to contact HMRC for recommendations if you’re unsure whether you’re self-employed.
You can get help with setting up or developing your business, through the government’s business support services, for example, for advice about tax or about how to find funding to start your business.
This information is a guide (source: GOV.UK).
For career recommendations throughout the UK, visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Enjoy working in your area. Find internships with Workfinder.
Tips & AdviceHelp with interviews, CV writing, and everything related to the painting experience.
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