Marven Chick, Co-Founder & CEO, InLab Innovation Limited
In the kaleidoscopic realm of fashion, where trends bloom and wither like fleeting blossoms, the subtler note of sustainability often gets obscured by the glitz and glamour of the industry. As this industry grapples with its ecological impact, we meet Marven Chick, the new-age entrepreneur pioneering the theme of ethical craftsmanship and championing sustainable fashion amidst extravagance. For this business maverick, sustainability is the new trend in the world of fashion and every garment should be interwoven with a conscious commitment to the planet.
Let’s explore the journey of Marven Chick, the CEO and founder of InLab Innovation Ltd, for whom fashion is beyond aesthetics; it is an ethos embedded in every fabric aspiring to cover the world with the garb of compassion and benevolence.
A Decade of Curiosity: Pioneering 3D Printing
Rewind to 2010, a pivotal year where Marven Chick, then the Head of R&D at a prominent Hong Kong textile manufacturer, found himself at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Though automation was the buzzword, the fashion industry clung to old-school labor-intensive methods. Marven, fueled by curiosity, rounded up a small team of tech enthusiasts, engineers, and material scientists. Their mission? – to explore alternative technologies to breathe new life into the age-old art of textile manufacturing. 3D printing, a sustainable alternative that promised less labor, power, and nominal carbon footprint, stood as a renaissance in innovation rewriting the narrative of eco-conscious manufacturing.
But of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows; the high cost of industrial printers and a shortage of materials tried to rain on their parade, threatening their endeavors.
InLab’s Birth: Tale of Weathering Challenges and Changing Minds
Fast forward to 2020, and InLab Innovation Ltd came into the world out of sheer necessity. But the journey was never a smooth sailing one. Convincing the deeply traditional fashion industry to switch to 3D printing technology was like convincing grandma to swap her knitting needles for a 3D pen. Tough, but not impossible. “We overcame this obstacle by demonstrating the benefits, including decreased production lead times and material costs, as well as highlighting the growing demand for reducing carbon footprints during manufacturing, particularly from EU countries, which helped solidify our case”, reflects the entrepreneur.
Marven’s journey into 3D printing wasn’t about glorifying the technology; it was a pragmatic response to an industry in dire need of a sustainable makeover. It was a game-changer for the fashion industry. For Marven, it wasn’t just a battle of innovation; it was a battle of ideologies. It’s a story of resilience, of sailing against the current, and proving that change, when done right, presents a win-win situation for all.
Sustainability and Performance: The Cornerstones of InLab’s Identity
InLab’s reputation as a leader in 3D printing stands on its unwavering commitment to sustainability and performance quality. Chick elucidates, “Sustainability, technology, and high quality are the cornerstones of our product.” The integration of these values into every facet of its operations and product development processes is meticulous and gives them an edge over the competitors. The company distinguishes itself by developing proprietary technology, setting a benchmark for the industry. To ensure the integrity of their products, InLab enlists third-party evaluations regularly, a testament to their dedication to exceeding industry standards.
True Entrepreneurship: Forging Unique Paths
Sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, Marven unleashes the power of authenticity that distinguishes a leader amidst the masses. According to him, the journey of leadership is akin to sailing through the choppy waters—courageous and steadfast. The audacious spirit of an individual is what transforms him into an entrepreneur, empowering him to challenge conventions, surpass limits, and carve out distinctive paths that can lead to a transformative and enriching journey. According to him, entrepreneurship is “when an individual with an idea takes action on that idea, aiming to disrupt the current market with a new product or service.” This viewpoint underscores InLab’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and embracing disruptive trends throughout all facets of the business, establishing a unique identity, that is though comprehensible to competitors but impossible to replicate.
Cultivating Innovation: The Adhocracy Culture at InLab
InLab’s company culture thrives on an Adhocracy model, embodying risk-taking, individuality, and creativity. This innovative and adaptable work environment encourages the team to pioneer breakthroughs, with a focus on translating ideas into tangible market success. The motivation for employees lies in their active involvement in the process, witnessing their proposals and ideas come to life.
Envisioning the Future: InLab’s Ascent
As we draw close to our journey with this visionary entrepreneur, we find Marven Chick peering into a new horizon, where InLab stands tall as a beacon of innovation in the 3D printing consumer product market. In his forward gaze, he paints a canvas where InLab doesn’t just participate but leads, carving out a niche that resonates on a global scale. Marven’s vision is etched out not only by ambition but by an unflinching faith in his purpose that recognized 3D printing technology as a disruptive boon in the eco-friendly world of textile manufacturing.
His advice for young entrepreneurs is pragmatic and emphasizes the importance of implementation, “Focusing on our core business and taking small steps every day can lead to progress and growth,” asserts the entrepreneur.
In the future, InLab isn’t just a company; it’s a trailblazer sculpting the narrative of 3D printing. Marven Chick’s aspirations paint a canvas where InLab isn’t just a participant but a defining force, setting new standards and redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in the dynamic world of consumer products and innovation. The future, as Marven sees it, is not just a destination but a journey, and InLab is steering its course with bold steps.