Noor Aziz

“It’s insane to work two jobs and have full-time training. You’re an inspiration.”

When I had set out to launch Purpose, being an inspiration was the last on my mind. Instead what occupied it was the desire to create cycling jerseys that were great to wear, yet does not cost a bomb on the pocket. “These are cycling jerseys, why would I pay 300 dollars to wear something I’d sweat in” I remember often saying.

Did I take on too much? Did I have too lofty of a goal? What’s there to lose, right?

Actually. Quite a lot. For most of the time since Purpose started, I had pumped my own money into Purpose. Developing the original kits. These got copied. And I had to spend months after that looking for better, more reputable manufacturer.

“I’ve seen other local apparel and sport shoe brands run out of money.”

Some time at the start of 2017, good fortune came and I had managed to raise some seed funding. This helped accelerate the vision that is Purpose now. However, it was not an easy path. Indeed, there were many who had turned Purpose down. Even more people with ideas of how Purpose should develop. What product to build. Why not tech? Everyone is thinking tech. Like if it’s not tech, it’s not a good idea. Exponential, they say. Yet none of these people with the ideas will take on the risk. “I’ve seen other local apparel and sport shoe brands run out of money”, said one investor. Ironically, more tech companies have sprouted and folded than that of shoe or apparel companies. Some catastrophically, even.

So 2017 was challenging even with some seed funding secured. It is when trust becomes vested, is when dreams turn into expectations. Although saying yes we’ve raised investments do sound nice, it’s also a burden to give back on those amounts. If not all of it financially, it is on the faith that things are being done to the best of my ability, and to Purpose’s potential.

“If that’s what it takes to make founding a seedling company like Purpose into success the next couple of years, it’s a venture I’m prepared to take on.”

For most of 2017, I’ve grown Purpose. In hindsight, and after chats with several confidantes, at a rate that faster than what many other brands did. And paying myself nothing in return. If that’s what it takes to make founding a seedling company like Purpose into success the next couple of years, it’s a venture I’m prepared to take on. Hence, the two jobs. For me, there is no luxury of living back in my parent’s (or someone else’s) house while I try to make this dream work. There are still bills to pay, food to eat, things to do, and stuff to get done. Most of which, in this day and age, require some form of money.

Purpose is a chance for me to create really good technical performance wear made for you, for me, for us. I envision products that I myself will absolutely love to wear so this is not something that I can just let pass by.

In short, in building the house in the sky that is Purpose, I have to also acknowledge that I must still have my feet firmly planted on the ground. Some might say I can’t have both. That I must choose one. However, I say that such is this reality – risk and reap, yet the actuality of day-to-day living transits in tandem. I can’t be Icarus. I do not have the luxury of having something to fall back on.

Now, what will 2018 bring? Looking back on what Purpose have become in the past 12 months, I have no doubt that it is on an upwards trajectory.

New products launching soon. More teams will be custom kitted with the P Marque on them. And best of all, bringing new developments in triathlon suits and cycling jerseys that are constructed for use in our weather.

“Strive to make people believe in the brand, its products and what they’re made for.”

What will 2018 bring for me? More of the same, only bigger. I will still continue to talk to people who may want to invest and be a part of Purpose. Will strive to make people believe in the brand, its products and what they’re made for. To make more sales (obviously). Secure some more distribution. Grow my network to get into new markets.

Most importantly to be my own ambassador. Actively participate in triathlon and cycling. Walk the talk. To learn more about what makes the best kits tri suits and jerseys better. And make them specifically for us.

Yes. More of the same insanity. Only bigger. Even if it means work two jobs and still make time for training.