Corporate – uniform manufacturers

The Style Factory has savoir-faire. This is the only plausible explanation for its extensive client base, which boasts such names as Christian Dior SA, Edgars Red Square and The Don Suite Hotels. The tenacious team behind the successful business consists of partners Chantal and Costa. Combining Chantal’s flair for designing and experience in production with Costa’s solid background in business science and marketing, the two have managed to punt their company as a leading corporate-uniform manufacturer locally. Costa explains that the service they offer is complete, from designing the uniforms to manufacturing them, culminating in the actual product. The Style Factory’s difference, say the Johannesburg partners, lies in its emphasis on high service standards and customer satisfaction.

‘IN A DEPRESSED ENVIRONMENT, GET SUCCESS WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.’

STREET SMARTS Chantal Gussenhoven and Costa Carastavrakis of
The Style Factory are two young entrepreneurs who have moved back to the
Johnannesburg CBD in search of cheap rentals and good infrastructure.

Gavin Kallman

While Johannesburg’s once-glittering CBD has long turned its back on its former heyday, Cape Town and Durban property owners in the city centers are also reaching for the panic buttons as they watch highpaying clients take flight to other areas.
But there are others who believe those at the top are mistaking change for decline. With smaller asset bases and shorter cash lines, they don’t have time to wait to be saved and are instead doing it for themselves.
Take Chantel Gussenhoven and Costa Carastavrakis, co-owners of The Style Factory, a uniform manufacturer, who believe the City of Gold still has much to offer go-getters seeking their fortunes.
Launched in April 1996, The Style Factory is a typical example of young entrepreneurs making the most of (hidden) opportunities. Where others see crime and grime, they see a chance to make money: they reversed the usual trend and moved their business to the CBD from Johannesburg’s northern suburbs in October 1996.
Costa described it as a pure business secession: "We decided to move to town as there is tons of space and rent is low. It makes perfect sense as our auxiliary suppliers are here, our staff can get home quickly and infrastructure in the CBD is good.
An indication of how well a concern like The Style Factory is doing in downtown Johannesburg is that its turnover has tripled in the past year, while its staff has doubled to 30.
The Style Factory is involved in all aspects of the uniform business, from design through to manufacture and nationwide distribution.
"Creating a niche for ourselves as a one-stop shop has really paid off," Chantal said
Designing uniforms for clientele varying from Milky Lane to the City Lodge Group, the company is small enough to adopt a flexible approach to their clients’ varied needs.
Adopting progressive business practice, The Style Factory has seen to it that its staff know all aspects of the trade, and can lend a hand at any stage in the production of a uniform.
By working smartly, the two have ensured loyalty among their staff, who feel a collective pride in their craft. – Johannesburg

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