Mario Theros: Starting small, making it big

Reading through Move On Philippines proprietor Mario Theros’ (a.k.a. Marco) answers to the list of questions, sent via e-mail, instantly comes to mind one of the many quotable quotes of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling: Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.

Marco, no doubt, has got some nerve when he gambled his small capital to start a clothing business two years ago. He knew it was never easy hurdling the challenges of competing against the already established apparel brands. He admitted he got scared what with so many doubts that almost weakened his spirit.

“I figured that one is never really sure about anything absolutely,” Marco said. “I went for the challenges. I somehow enjoyed the smell of danger. Kapit lang sa Diyos.”

Today, his creations are being worn by Iñigo Pascual, Darren Espanto, Ronnie Alonte and Richard Yap. Some items from his newest collection boost the appeal of Paolo Ballesteros, That’s My Bae members, Asian Artists Agency, Inc. talents Mastermind, Miko&Gab, Eian Rances and Hashtag Wilbert Ross, as well as Gimme 5’s Nash Aguas, Joaquin Reyes, John Bermudo, Grae Fernandez and Brace Arquia.

Apart from the stylish clothing collection, Marco will soon be coming up with a footwear line.

Read on and be inspired to work hard and achieve your goal with Marco’s success story.

What inspired you to start your own business? Was there any doubt when you started?

“That time, I was so confused if I would pursue a career in line with my course, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or if I would venture into something different. To be a rich man, to be able to afford myself to enjoy life is my greatest motivation. A friend inspired me to start a clothing business. But I was scared and had so many doubts. I was not sure if my target market would buy my clothes. But after the doubting, I prayed and assessed everything very carefully. I figured that one is never really sure about anything absolutely. I went for the challenges. I somehow enjoyed the smell of danger. Kapit lang sa Diyos. Move On started on Aug. 4, 2015.”

Tell me about your business and what are you doing exactly?

Wearing Move On Hued collection are (first row, from left) Raven Tacwigan, Andrei Olleres, Gabriel Umali, Rachir Christ Tan, Alfonsso Tiu and Vern Ong. Second row, from left: Rollo Espinos, Eian Rances, Ryan Balila. Rufino Herrera, Wryan Chua, Miko Juarez, Van Allen Ong, Kurt Ong, Mario Theros and Patrick Yu.

“The official name of my business is Move On Philippines. It is an online shop that offers a clothing line for young Filipinos who are willing to Move On to a new fashion profile. Unique, stylish and quality best describe the shopping experience at Move On.”

What were you doing before this and is this is your first business? Why the name Move On?

“I just graduated from college and I would say that time, I was trying to discover things. The different fashion styles from other countries caught my attention. Having had the chance to travel to different parts of the globe, I’ve realized that we have different fashion profile and that led me to create something unique and extraordinary.

“Contrary to what people may think, I am not trying to move on to something when I chose the name Move On. ‘Move on’ is a famous line when you want to have something new in you. When I am thinking about the possible name of my business, I thought all the words that could be associated with the words new, fresh start and new beginning because if you want something new in yourself, you will buy something that you could easily acquire like clothes. In short, this brand is for everyone willing to Move On to the next fashion profile.”

What were the challenges you faced when you started and what challenges you until now?

“Looking back, Move On faced so many challenges like starting the business with a small capital. How can I market and promote Move On to think that it was then a one-man-company? I tried to do meet-ups by myself, answered inquiries early in the morning, tried to accommodate customers late at night so in other words, I monitored Move On 24/7 by myself.

“Another challenge would be the place for receiving clients because I just do it in my home. I think the biggest challenge that I faced was when one of my staff members betrayed me. Having known the trade secrets of Move On, she tried to copy and imitate everything. But it didn’t bother me anymore. Instead, it made me eager to move on to the next level. I always want to challenge myself. It makes me strive for more, reach greater heights and think outside the box.”

Are there specific advantages and disadvantages to be in a clothing business?

“The advantage would be to show uniqueness in designs. Move On also captures both the National Capital Region and provincial markets since it is an online selling concept. You can expand and innovate products due to increasing demands. The disadvantage is that some people are afraid of buying online.”

With the changing fashion trends, do you always try to keep up with what’s in or would you rather stick to your style?

“Move On will continue to offer new, unique and vibrant designs to capture attention. Our limited supplies of each design will make it more attractive, in keeping with its goal of offering individuals a unique fashion experience in every Move On apparel. Now, I’m still innovating everything and creating more different ideas, because I want to help our clients express themselves through their fashion. Move On believes in the saying that ‘you are what you wear,’ ensuring that every design is unique and able to express the different characteristics of anyone who wears it. Each design shows the vibrant and ever-changing personality of each individual, making himself the owner of his own style.”

What makes your brand stand out from the rest? What would make people remember it?

“Move On differs from other brands because we offer limited stocks per design. Say, 10 pieces per design. Imagine, you’re wearing a one-in-a-million shirt. Cool, right? You can’t see our style from the clothing styles that most people would choose. Move On is for people who would dare to have something new and different from the usual. There are no words that can explain what it’s like wearing Move On. But I can say that there is a part of me in every design. I use my heart and my instinct in each design.”

Does fashion need to be expensive?

“Fashion doesn’t need to be expensive; just find what’s right for you and be able to feel comfortable wearing it.”

Any pieces of advice would you give to somebody who wish to start a similar business?

“To those who want to start a business, first, say goodbye to your social life so you can spend a lot of time on your business. Second, they should get professional help to learn and don’t get pressured by the challenges. They should test and measure everything and be passionate about what they’re doing. They should offer what people want to buy, not just what you want to sell. Keep your edge, your core product is very important. Set up a great support system. Don’t fear the competition and just believe in yourself and be patient at all times. Always believe that you can do it, even if you have nothing.”

What do you consider as your greatest achievement? What is the most rewarding part of doing your business?

“The greatest achievement in doing this business is getting the chance to work with people. What I consider the best reward is when people appreciate what I have started and what it is now, making my parents proud of me and of what I am doing. I am thankful to the people who wear Move On.”