Slow, steady growth fits clothing maker to a T

Sid Sagon had the idea of starting a clothing company, with the name HI Class stuck in his mind for a couple of years. But fatherhood and a full-time restaurant job left him with little time for side projects.

Rather than let a good idea go to waste, he decided it was doable if he started small.

Working on his home computer, with no graphics training, he came up with a design he liked and had it printed on stickers that he distributed to family and friends, who liked his logo enough for him to print his first T-shirts last year.

Luckily, his startup coincided with his introduction to social media, which he credits for launching him into the world from his Waikiki condo.

Unable to afford a space to sell his first batch of shirts, he simply started wearing his men’s shirt around town and reached out to potential customers through Facebook and Twitter to share his new products, promotions and company news.

It was lonely at first. "The Facebook page started with about three friends: my girlfriend, sister and best friend," he said.

But the "likes" soon started rolling in, now numbering more than 1,200.

Keeping up with social media takes as much energy as designing. Sagon said he’s very aware of the need to respond to every customer’s post, as well as post status updates and offer teasers as to what’s coming to keep people interested in the company.

Sagon’s line, to date, comprises HI Class logowear including men’s and women’s T-shirts, infant onesies, a tote bag and a full line of caps and beanies, which he sells through his online boutique at BigCartel.com at prices ranging from $15 to $40.

He’s planning to approach retail buyers next and start working with other designers. Sagon says he’s content "to let it grow organically for now, maybe later on expand more."

On the Net:

» Find HI Class Clothing online at HIClassClothing.BigCartel.com and www.facebook.com/pages/HI-CLASS-Clothing/334880374319.