AMAL Deo has been an entrepreneur for more than 15 years, dedicating much of his life to building and sustaining his tailoring business.
He shared his hard work and commitment enabled him to expand beyond tailoring into operating a second-hand clothing shop called Amal’s Clothing.
Now located at the newly renovated Yatu Lau Arcade, Mr Deo said he was proud of his achievement and continued running his business with enthusiasm and gratitude.
“I enjoy every day as it comes,” he said.
Mr Deo says while selling second-hand clothes, he remains passionate about tailoring.
He also sews a wide range of garments, like ladies’ skirts, men’s sulu, blouses, shirts, and other clothes his client’s order.
He says his skills and experience have earned him loyal customers, who often return with specific requests.
“Sometimes I get special orders from customers, and I try my best to meet their expectations.”
Mr Deo ensures his customers are satisfied with what they get in return.
The clothing business serves as the main source of income for Mr Deo and his wife, who both work full-time at the shop.
They manage daily operations and attend to customers together.
According to the couple, the shop sees a steady flow of customers throughout the day. “We are always busy because people are always passing by and coming in.”
Mr Deo believes their presence and commitment ensure customers are welcomed and assisted at all times, contributing to the shop’s friendly and reliable environment.
Like many small business owners, they face ongoing challenges and the main one being competition within the arcade shops.
With several other outlets selling clothes, Mr Deo said attracting and retaining customers was challenging at times.
“We are not the only shop here, so there is a lot of competition.”
Despite this, Mr Deo said they found ways to stand out by delivering quality service and being consistent with their early opening hours.
He shared that it was through teamwork, that they were able to overcome obstacles and adapt to changes in the market.
They maintain a strict daily routine, and open their shop from 6am to catch the early shoppers and close at 6pm, after serving all their customers in the day.
With their son having a family of his own and running a taxi business, Mr Deo said they are independent and don’t rely on anyone else to support their family.
“If you work hard enough, you won’t feel the need to rely on anyone.”
Mr Deo said it is important to maintain a positive mind set and work towards your goals and that is something that has helped his business over the past years.
Amal Deo in
front of his shop in Yatu Lau Arcade in Suva.
