KUCHING: A passion for creating clothing designs nudged Gaicenvilvia Jong to try her hand at being an entrepreneur.
Gaicenvilvia, who is of Chinese and Bidayuh parentage, started her online business in 2011.
“Actually, I don’t have any talent in sewing, and only relied on the services of tailors to produce my designer clothing.
“Most of my designer clothing are according to customer requests and sometimes I suggest several options to them,” the 34-year-old told Suara Sarawak.
Gaicenvilvia has 50 shirt collections so far with the concept of modern and contemporary ethnic clothing.
Apart from support from family and friends, she ventured into the field seriously after serving in a government agency in 2011.
It has not been in vain as Gaicenvilvia is able to generate make around RM2,000 or more per month, while during festive seasons, this could be RM5,000 to RM10,000 per month.
“So far, I don’t have a private store or boutique and only operate from home by promoting online.
“When I started out, I spent about RM1,000 to buy equipment and materials, as well as the cost of sending to a nearby sewing shop.
“The first design I produced was a batik skirt before evolving into shirts and dresses.”
She added that her business was now not only getting attention from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, but also abroad such as Brunei, Singapore and also Malaysians living in Australia.
“The price of clothes for children starts at RM90 to RM170 and around RM170 to RM300 for adults, based on the designs.”
Special orders for wedding and engagement dresses, including coats, are around RM350 to RM800.
“Many customers prefer to combine two ethnicities in one outfit such as the combination of lban design with Bidayuh, Bidayuh with Sabah.
“So far, I have received bookings for Iban, Bidayuh, as well as a combination of two ethnic groups and also some ethnic groups from Sabah.
“For customers from Sabah, as I am less knowledgeable of their ethnic dresses, we will discuss first before reaching an agreement to complete the order.”
She chose the traditional ethnic theme because many people liked the concept, especially youths.
Among the designer clothing ordered by customers. 
“Many prefer a dress that is more modern and in line with the current trend without forgetting the original characteristics of the shirt itself.
“Customers are also free to style the clothes ordered at a particular time according to the suitability of the venue and event.
“For the older group, they prefer clothes or dresses that prioritise traditional features compared to the young.”
Commenting on her business during the Covid-19 pandemic, Gaicenvilvia, who trades via the House Of Gail Facebook page, said she was also affected by the border closures that had been in effect since last year.
Despite facing various challenges, Gaicenvilvia hoped that her business would become more well-known and she intended to produce various clothing collections from own brand.
Customers who are interested in a collection of traditional clothing with a modern concept can visit the House of Gail Facebook page or call Gaicenvilvia at 019-8158845.
