SIN BIN creates custom-themed accessories and clothing for everyday wear, themed events or for cosplay. Cosplay is literally “costume play” – dressing up and pretending to be a fictional character.
YN: How did your business start?
Cynthia: I started SIN BIN as a hobby doing commissions on the side for people, which then slowly began to earn money. I was doing all the work after hours as I had a full-time job. Then one evening between job deadlines and commission deadlines, it dawned on me that I could make a living from my hobby. It’s been the best decision I ever made.
YN: Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
Cynthia: I rented space in a house in Linden because at the time it was conveniently close to home and seemed central to most of my client base.
YN: How did you find your premises?
Cynthia: I was fortunate enough to know someone who was renting house space.
YN: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Cynthia: Space is key to what we do, and our premises provide enough room for our workshop where we do our production, an admin office and space for products and storage for materials and fabrics needed.
YN: Who are your neighbours?
Cynthia: As we are in a residential area, we are mostly surrounded by private homes.
YN: What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
Cynthia: It is an affluent residential area.
YN: How many people go through your store each day?
Cynthia: On a busy day we can have up to six appointments and workshop visits, which are either fittings or order collections.
YN: Do you have any expansion plans?
We are considering opening a viewing room or shop floor, but these are still just ideas.
YN: Do you operate online as well?
Cynthia: Yes, in fact 70% of all our orders are done via our online store sin-bin.co.za and Facebook page. The convenience of being able to shop online and get it delivered to your door by courier appeals to most individuals. Of course, this only covers our ready-made products or customised items that do not require a fitting.
YN: What’s your most popular item?
Cynthia: We have two popular items. The first is our handmade ears. This is the first product item that was made when I started up SIN BIN. And the second are the various handmade goggle designs that we make.
See for yourself:
084 367 6256
Words: Georgina Guedes
Images: Supplied