IT ALL BEGAN WITH A DREAM
At just 19 years old, Justin Smith of Jilliby, Australia, decided to take a leap of faith and start his own clothing business. Despite quitting high school after his School Certificate, Justin had a passion for fashion and a drive to succeed. No one could stop Justin and his dream of owning and operating his own successful clothing business. He began working tirelessly, spending 18 hours a day in his Gosford garage, lovingly known as the “Bunker,” preparing his winter wear for launch.
When Justin first started his business, he faced many obstacles. He had applied for more than 50 jobs as a salesperson, but was knocked back each time. Despite these setbacks, he refused to give up on his dream of starting his own clothing line. He knew that he had the talent, drive and determination to make it in the fashion industry. Like the old saying goes, its not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog.
A very young Justin Smith
In just 12 short months of launching his company from the ground up, Justin managed to have over $40,000 (equivalent to around $130,000 in today’s money) of his clothing distributed across Australia. His clothing was even featured in the prestigious magazine “Look”. This was a major achievement for the young entrepreneur, who had managed to make a name for himself in the competitive world of fashion.
Justin’s company, Savage Clothing, has supplied more than 50 Australian outlets. He landed his first big order of over 20,000 garments from a Japanese business, proving that his designs were in demand on an international level. Justin’s success can be attributed to his high-quality materials and second-to-none workmanship. He was not intimidated by established brands like Quicksilver, Hot Tuna, and Billabong, as he believed that young people were always on the lookout for “something different”.
Savage Clothing has a unique trademark that stands out from the rest. This being of a dog lying on its back with four stiff legs, which has helped it to stand out in the crowded fashion industry. Justin’s designs are known for their attention to detail and for being high-quality, and his company has become a household name in many Australian and overseas homes.
Over 30 years later, Justin is still operating his successful company, fulfilling many orders. In an interview, he said, “From day one as a 19-year-old, I knew that it would not be easy to make it in this line of work, especially with already well-known and established brands like Billabong. However, with hard work and persistence, I have been able to build a successful company. It is amazing to see how my brand and company has evolved in the last 30 years.”
Savage Clothing continues to be a popular brand in Australia and is now a part of the country’s fashion history. Justin Smith’s story serves as inspiration for young entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with hard work, determination, and a clear vision, anyone can achieve success in the business world, no matter how old they are.
In conclusion, Justin Smith’s story is a reminder that age is just a number and that with hard work, dedication and a clear vision, anyone can achieve success in the business world. His story is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere. It is a testament to the fact that with a clear vision and relentless hard work, anyone can achieve success, no matter the odds. Justin Smith’s story will always be a part of Australian history and a reminder to young entrepreneurs to never give up on their dreams.
Some of the iconic Savage Logo
Below are some images of Savage Clothing in its early days being displayed.
Below is an image of some members of the public proudly displaying their Savage Clothing shirts.
Below is some old images of a young Justin Smith and the front of a magazine that he and his company was featured in.
Below is an image of Justin Smith (Owner and CEO) of Savage Clothing working in his "Bunker" and home on products to be shipped across the world.
Savage Clothing has been referenced in several newspaper articles, constituting a substantial volume of media coverage.
