This is where @AltMvt started and the growth over the last three years has been unreal. I got busy and didn’t update the thread but we’re now entering into a new phase and I’ll try as much as possible to document the stages of our growth in this new thread. https://twitter.com/Dobie_M/status/860918064954712065

The big news we’ve just signed a lease agreement for a bigger self-contained office space and this marks the start of @AltMvt aggressive growth strategy to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s top 10 clothing manufacturing and branding companies by 2023!

The pandemic & lockdown restrictions are likely to be around for the next 6 to 12 months & this spaces allows us to continue adopting a working-from-home type of set up. This period will give us the chance to create a business system that supports the growth we’re aiming for.

Obviously we’re not prepared for this abrupt change, especially during a pandemic and an imminent economic collapse, but if not now then when? Let’s do this!

Previews.

Last night I was grafting past midnight so this morning I didn’t hear my alarm and only woke up at 7am. I was extremely disappointed that I’d “lost” and hour and spent the rest of the day chasing it. Had my first meal at 19:30 and only “settling down” now.

The part of the process I’m at now is very messy. I’m having to juggle my time between home where (were still operating), the new office (were we’re still setting up) and the CBD and everywhere for purchases, deliveries, meetings etc. There genuinely isn’t enough time.

I’ve had to breakdown my day into 15 minutes intervals were I try to complete at least one task during that period. This has been going on for the past 6 weeks and will likely be the case for two more, trying to be full time at the new office by June 30th.

Like I was saying, this part of the process is really messy and a lot of things haven’t gone according to plan and a few deadlines missed but all I’m asking for is just a bit more time and patience.

I’m very excited to announce that @AltMvt has officially moved to a new office space at No. 8 Adylinn Drive, Marlborough. We spent the last couple of weeks fixing up the basics but there still so much more work to do. Customising the interior is still on 10% but we’ll get there.

I absolutely hate this part of the process. It’s filled with headaches, stress and anxiety stemming from working capital challenges, missed deadlines and overwhelming pressure. It’s going to get soooo much worse before it gets better.

WOW, the past couple of weeks have been difficult. I knew setting up was going to be expensive, challenging and stressful but I never anticipated it to be this bad. We set a target of 3 months to fully set up and we’re just in the second week and I’m seeing flames.

I have a bit more support now but we’re still setting up a system & the workload hasn’t eased up yet. I must admit I’ve been asking myself daily if I really know what I’m doing & if this was a good move. The answer is YES but everything is looking messy it doesn’t like like it.

New week, new problem. We’ve experienced our first power cut since we moved. Haven’t been able to do a single thing today and we’re already overwhelmed with orders. We might need to invest in an alternative power source that can power industrial machines. It’s gonna be expensive!

“The journey towards a Toyota Hilux Raider begins with a Honda Fit”
- Ancient Zimbabwean proverb, 1956.

@AltMvt just got it’s first company car! Oh what a feeling!!!

Haven’t had ZESA for two weeks and been running on a generator so there’s a limit to our maximum production. Been overwhelmed with work but since we can’t do night shifts we’ve had to work everyday. The recent 6pm curfew also means we have to close early. Pressure is unbearable.

With our recent expansion drive I've stretched all the financial resources I had access to to the absolute limit & the threat of coronavirus bringing business to a halt once more is become more real. I have to prepare for the inevitable. The next few months are very crucial.

It's the 31st! The first month at the new premises is done and it's probably been the most challenging month I've had to endure since I started 3 years ago. Biggest set backs were operating costs increased 10 fold, ZESA fault now into 3rd week, curfew shortened working hours...

Despite these lows it's been a relatively good month considering that were still getting good business despite the pandemic and economic hardships. Still have 2 to 5 more months till we've fully completed our transition. Let's keep pushing!

Finally ZESA connection at the office has be restored. Running on a generator for the past month was very expensive and a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m also glad we can start working night shifts now, the pressure is overwhelming. Let’s keep pushing.

The first Income Statement since we adopted a new business system is out. Obviously we're in the red because of our recent move but I'm genuinely please fit the numbers. If we can maintain the momentum by end of September we'll he in the green. Let's keep pushing!

As I mentioned earlier, for the second half of 2020 we adopted an aggressive growth strategy & we’re reinvesting EVERYTHING into machinery & equipment. At this point even $2 lunch is a luxury Lol. Good news is we’ll be unboxing several new machines over the next few weeks.

August has been a great month for @AltMvt. The hard work and sacrifice is working. The vision is becoming clearer. The place is taking shape with every brown box opened. Kushanda, kusimudzira hupenyu hwedu.

It’s a new month!
Manufacturing is very capital, machinery and labour intensive. The more you grow the more machines and people you need, the more working capital required but most importantly the more accurately you need to plan and coordinate the whole process.

We’re occupied every day, but so far September has been “slow” in the sense that have haven’t worked weekends or night shifts. The economy is starting to open up and this slow period is an ideal opportunity to prepare for the last quarter of the year which should be really busy.