"Keeping employees happy and engaged is crucial for the success of any organization."
ValiantCEO Magazine is thrilled to have Fahad Al Jomiah, owner and co-founder of 1886, the first streetwear brand in Saudi Arabia for gen-Z and millennials.
In this exclusive interview, Fahad shares his passion for combining music, art, urban trends, and street movements into a brand that represents their unique Saudi perspective.
He also talks about the importance of keeping employees engaged and motivated, his strategies for navigating the surge in online business, and the challenges of adopting sustainable and ethical practices in the industry.
Check out more interviews with entrepreneurs here.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Fahad Al Jomiah: My name is Fahad Al Jomiah, I was born in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and I am today the owner and co -ounder of 1886, the first streetwear brand in the Kingdom catered to gen- Zero and millennials.
I completed my university studies in London and this is where I met Khalid Aljammaz, college friend and co- founder of the label. When we met the global streetwear market saw a second boom in 2016. Companies like Moncler, Nike, Umbro, but also Supreme and off white were taking the world by storm.
Many interesting cross brand collaborations happened at that time. That was such a motivating and imaginative period for us. While we don’t have a history in fashion, we believed the timing was ripe to combine our love of music, art, urban trends, and street movements into a brand that could represent our unique Saudi perspective. This is how we started our journey with 1886.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffet, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Fahad Al Jomiah: 1886 is a fashion brand that combines edgy and informal genderless looks. We strive to use unusual materials and designs, as well as mixing minimalistic looks with a dash of urban edge. We have great care for each component of our creations, and we fuse it with a constant study of new materials, patterns, and textiles. Innovation is one of the pillars of the brand.
For us it is very important to implement every aspect of production and make a product that is not only fashionable but also durable and made with the most advanced technique the contemporary production can offer.
To do this we work exclusively with the best suppliers in Portugal who can guarantee unsurpassed quality and continued improvement of all production processes. This is crucial for us because we understand the value of a product that lasts; we want to offer our clients the luxury to shop confidently with us.
The company’s biggest strength is in the ability to understand and interpret the needs of our generation and offer a street line that talk directly to it Particularly in a moment of great transformation in Saudi Arabia where everything evolves so rapidly, the youth is witnessing change like no other country in the world.
1886 is unique because of the incredible wave of creativity and innovation that keep us constantly inspired.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, are an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle keeping talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are adapting to the current shift we see?
Fahad Al Jomiah: Keeping employees happy and engaged is crucial for the success of any organization.
In 1886, we provide a positive work environment to keep our talents engaged and motivated. We hold a community where differences are elevated to build a free and peaceful world. Our employees are the backbone of the company; therefore, keeping our employees happy and satisfied is one of our top priorities.
Happy employees are more creative, productive, and engaged. We want to emphasize our mission to unite the young generations by setting an example within our environment. Therefore, prioritizing work-life balance as well as recognizing and rewarding employee’s importance is at the top of our priorities.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Fahad Al Jomiah: We strive to optimize the e-commerce website with user-friendly navigation, high-quality images, and detailed descriptions. Secondly, we leverage our social media platforms to reach and engage with our community and cement our brand awareness. These are two important points for our brand.
We believe that by effectively leveraging online channels and technologies, fashion brands can successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the surge in online business.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Fahad Al Jomiah: One of the key challenges facing the industry is the growing pressure to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices. From reducing waste and emissions to improving supply chain transparency and worker rights, businesses must find ways to meet these demands while still remaining profitable.
In addition, the pandemic has disrupted traditional fashion seasons and accelerated the trend towards seasonless fashion. Fashion businesses must be proactive in addressing these challenges and finding new ways to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
2020, 2021, 2022 threw a lot of curve balls into businesses on a global scale. Based on the experience gleaned in the past years, how can businesses thrive in 2023? What lessons have you learned and what advice would you share?
Fahad Al Jomiah: Following the pandemic, we have learnt that businesses need to be adaptable, innovative, and agile to stay relevant. In order to survive and thrive in uncertain times they should be prepared to pivot quickly and adjust their strategies as needed to respond to changing market conditions.
In 2023 I think that businesses can thrive by embracing technology that can help them streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and support remote work and virtual communication.
Most importantly fostering a positive workplace and prioritizing employee well-being are very important aspects that can create a supportive work environment that fosters open communication, professional development and consequently a thriving business.
What does “success” in the year to come mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision.
Fahad Al Jomiah: Success means achieving the brand long-term goals and establishing 1886 as a leading player in the global streetwear industry. This means a combination of financial success, creative innovation, and a strong commitment to producing high quality product that resonates with our end-consumers.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Fahad Al Jomiah for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Fahad Al Jomiah or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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