27/04/2026
A note from one of our fashion star ✨
Because of the low standards and the culture of mediocrity that have become prevalent among our people, principled individuals are often labelled as difficult, strict or hard to work with.
About two weeks ago, I can’t fully recall the exact situation that led to it, but my staff were having a discussion in the factory when I walked in. I listened, observed, and then addressed them. I gave clear instructions on what needed to be done and attached consequences if those standards were not met. As I ended, I used my usual line:
“You all know I am not a nice person, so I won’t be nice if any of you fail to adhere.” They all responded, “Yes, ma,” with smiles.
Just as I was about to leave, one of them said, “Ma, I know you are not nice, but you are kind.” That statement shifted the atmosphere. Others immediately agreed and began to add their perspectives. One said, “Madam is very kind, but she is very strict as well.”
Another went further. He said workplaces, especially in tailoring can be difficult to manage, and that I am simply doing what is necessary to maintain order. He mentioned that he had worked in several fashion houses, even larger ones than mine, but had never experienced the level of inspection I bring to the work. According to him, I notice everything, the smallest error, a loose thread hidden inside a garment, or stitches others would overlook as insignificant.
I nodded and left them to continue their work, but I walked away with a quiet sense of satisfaction. In just a few weeks, they are beginning to understand who I am and what I stand for. Whether they say it openly or not, wether they are happy with it or not, that understanding is already shaping their decisions, what they consider acceptable, what they deliver, and how seriously they approach their work. It is gradually eroding any culture of carelessness they may have brought from previous environments.
One thing I learned from my time in the corporate system is that your understanding of your leader’s personality directly influences how you work and what you deliver. Many times, when people describe their bosses as strict, difficult, or even wicked, a closer look often reveals something else, a principled person who refuses to accept mediocrity or allow standards to be compromised.
Principle is often mistaken for harshness because it demands accountability and you know majority of people don’t like accountability. But there is a difference between being harsh and being disciplined. A principled leader does not reject people, they reject substandard outcomes.
As a leader, you must learn to balance firmness with respect, discipline with humanity, and structure with a level of warmth. You can be kind without lowering standards, you can be approachable without becoming permissive, and you can be respected without trying to be liked.
Because ultimately, what you tolerate becomes the culture.
What you ignore becomes the standard. And what you consistently enforce becomes the identity of your work.
It’s a new week.
Choose excellence, in your thinking, your actions, and your delivery.
Good Morning
