Fashiono.my  had an exclusive interview with the owner of Ugly Duckling, Miss Tju Siew Li, in her tastefully decorated showroom. The showroom is like a replica of the website! There are pink colour wall, white plaster ceiling, Victorian-style chandelier, white ccounter made of bricks, pink buntings, rubber ducks and more. Check out more photographs at our Facebook page (While you’re at it, add us as a fan to get daily blog updates!)

1. Fashion is about everything pretty. How come you decided to name your shop Ugly Duckling?
The name Ugly Duckling was given by my sister. Initially, I wanted something short and easy to remember. We thought of a few names such as but they are all taken. We then think of something more fairytale-like and finally came up with Ugly Duckling.

2. How did the shop started and how has it grow?
I started with selling my old clothes at Sell Trade Malaysia. Then I created a blogshop at blogshop to sell them and the response was not bad. So I started buying clothes to sell and we slowly improved to be where were are now.

3. We like the design of your boutique! Did you design it yourself?
Its designed by one of our models. She’s very good in designing and is currently working for Padini as visual merchandiser. All the things from the shop we get from IKEA.

4. Do you handle the blogshop all by yourself?
I run this whole job by myself. I take the photos, edit them, upload into the system, set the pricing and deal with customers. The hardest part is to reply to emails as we receive around 80 to 100 emails per update. Thankfully my advertising job is flexible which allow me to spend time running Ugly Duckling.

5. What is the best thing about having a blogshop?
The best part is that I can shop and do business at the same time. Sometimes, I get a few pieces for myself!

6. Worst?
The worst is that I have to be very patient. It’s not easy to entertain everybody and fulfill their wishes. I was scolded a few times and sometimes it’s not my fault. Both buyers and sellers have to be responsible. There are a lot of backout buyers and it’s not right. (We agree, check out buyer’s responsibility)

7. You’re in close contact with pretty clothing all the time. Do you shop or only wear Ugly Duckling Clothing?
Sometimes I see same pieces I bought in Bangsar selling at around RM 80 to RM 100. Now, I go to Bangsar less as I already know the cost price. But I still shop at Topshop. Also, my sister who is working as a stewardess often buy clothing for me when she’s overseas.

8. How long in business? How have things changed?
Nothing much has change. Except that Blogspot is free. My website and domain cost me a lot. Well, then we don’t have models. Since I wanted people to see the full outfit, so I got my friends to be my models. We got a hair saloon to do the models hair and in return we help them advertise [note: the hair saloon is right below Ugly Duckling's showroom!]

9. I see a lot of pinks, lollipops and ribbons in your shop. I feel that when there is a certain style in your clothing and also your showroom. What kind of style of clothing do you bring?
I like something not too girlish, a little quirky and unique. High street style is also not bad.

10. Where do you get inspiration from?
I go through a lot of overseas shop such as Newlook. Sometimes, I also check out magazines like CLEO and Seventeen, though I’m not seventeen. I like to see what’s trendy.

11. I never get to buy anything from your shop because it’s always sold out. Heard that a lot from your customer?
Yes. Actually each design I bring about two or three pieces. So its sold out quickly.

12. I think the pieces very unique. How do you that?
Maybe I’ve got different taste. I’m planning to do own label. I’ve submitted some designs. Unfortunately, the supplier mass made them and them sell to other people. It’s my first time doing it and it’s quite trick. So I’m learning to be more careful and I am looking for suppliers I can trust. At the mean time, we’re selling what’s available in the market.

13. How often can we expect new updates?
At most 3 times per month. It’s not easy as I go overseas to take my stock. When I come back there are still many things to do such as taking photos. Its all very time consuming.

14. What plans do you have for Ugly Duckling?
I plan to start my own label. Maybe expand to selling men’s clothing. Not so fast though. Don’t have time to plan everything. I’m still trying to sort things out.

Now you’ve heard it. If you’ll like to put your hands on any of their items, you may like to drop by at their showroom. Just remember to give Miss Ugly Duckling a call!

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Ugly Duckling Closet
+6012 242 3481
admin@uglyducklingcloset.com
31-1, Jalan Menara Gading 1,
Taman Connaught,
Cheras, 56100 KL,
Malaysia.

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