ONE People Fashion is a small medium entrepreneur specializes in designing traditional costumes, sewing of bilums with traditional colours as well as other crafts.
With the goal of collaborating with youths in communities, owner of One People Fashion; Janet Patricia Thomas believes young people are at the age category to collaborate with as it will bring them opportunity to make earns-meet.
Her inspiration came from her own province, Hela. She observed the beautiful biodiversity, admiring the natural environment and the surrounding cultures, sparking a deep ideal in her to promoting culture through the product she produces.
Janet is the eldest of six siblings, and when she realised the responsibility of contributing to put food on the table, made her step out to start something to assist herself and her family.
“I started my journey with One People Fashion back in 2001, fueled by a passion for creativity and a desire to empower myself and others,” Janet explained.
“I turned to my craft as a means the support my daily needs, including bus fares and at the same time exploring talents in doing hairdressing.
“Despite the struggles, I found motivation in the idea of transforming the idea of skills into a sustainable livelihood.”
As obvious for many young entrepreneurs, Janet was coped with a lot of hurdles in driving her dream and skills forward to greater heights.
She highlighted, the need of resources and finance has been a handicap in moving her small business, but she kept to her dream and with the available funds and resources she capitalized on, leveraging her creativity and resilience.
“I also engaged in humanitarian work which helped me to gain experiences and keep working towards my goal,” she said.
“My family was my strongest support, including my husband whom he was cheerleader.”
As she reflects her 31 years of doing her business, she is grateful to have come a long way, earning some of the huge achievements for herself.
“One of the memorable moments of success is having the opportunity to walk the stage in
a fashion competition with outfits I wove myself,” she said.
“Participating in the Cosmopolitan Amazur Fashion Designer competition, we came in fourth place which was a testament of my passion and perseverance.
“It was my dream to showcase my work, and I was incredibly proud of the five youths from the PNG Fashion Industry who helped me by modelling my creations on stage.”
From there on, One People Fashion has been able to establish a solid client based for hairdressing services that includes crochets, weaves and braids for all ages.
“I also offer headwraps upon request with prices ranging from K30 to K50 depending on the service,” she said.
One People Fashion is hoping to acquire a stall to display her crafts and hair station, transitioning from homebase to a more structured business model.
“I am eager to showcase our cultural heritage in places like Dubai, and other overseas countries to promote our diverse culture,” She confidently expressed.
“I take pride in having helped many young Papua New Guineans who are in high offices in PNG. Helping people and doing what I love is my passion.”
Janet Thomas now currently working with the United Finance Limited as a Digital marketing officer is adamant to keep growing her SME with her experience gained from her current employment and other previous organizations she worked with.
She encouraged youth in communities, to create opportunities for themselves by utilizing the available talents, and skills they have.
“I want to say that do not lose hope. Your talents are valuable, and you have the power to create your own opportunities,” she added.
“It’s time to take charge of your life and support one another, never give up. With determination and creativity, you can turn your passion into thriving business.”
Janet is happy, being a full-time employer to United Finance and at the same doing her own SME.
She believes in collaboration with other team, individuals or organizations to uplift other citizens to a brighter future.
