Business Spotlight – Geek Bothy
This week our Business Spotlight feature immerses itself in the geek culture, as we look at Geek Bothy Ltd, which is owned by Emma Black.
Geek Bothy revels in a love of the geek lifestyle, operating an eye-catching, alternative and colourful stall as well as an online shop stocking a wide range of goods from 1950s style dresses to hair dye and collectibles. Geek Bothy also takes great pride in supporting small independent retailers, with Emma delighted to include their items amongst her stock.
Just some of the events that Geek Bothy sets up at include comic conventions, burlesque shows, tattoo conventions, ladies nights, as well as various pop up shop events. You can keep up to date with where Geek Bothy will be setting up by following their Facebook page.
To find out more about Geek Bothy, we asked Emma a few questions:
Business owner: Emma Black
Date business started: 30/12/2015
Business address: 8 Shannoch Path, Kemnay, Inverurie, AB51 5GF
Website: www.geekbothy.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/geekbothy
1. What did you do before you started your business?
I was a sole trader at Wee Tootie, crafting handmade hair accessories.
2. What drew you towards your field of business?
My family and I love the geek culture. We often attend comic conventions, and teaming this up with alternative clothing, accessories and handmade items was the perfect combination.
3. What hurdles and challenges have you faced in getting to the stage you are currently at?
Going from a sole trader to a company has been a huge learning curve, especially managing accounts and sourcing the best quality products to stock.
4. How has Elevator and Business Gateway helped you and your business on its journey?
Gillian from the first phone call was very reassuring and all my questions were answered when we met up. I had done a lot of research myself, however just having someone to tell me I was doing it right and offering other solutions to my concerns/questions has been brilliant. Also providing a spreadsheet for my accounts has made life much easier and I feel very much in control of my finances.
5. Since starting your business, if you could have done one thing differently, what would that be?
I would have gone to Business Gateway from the start - this would have stopped some of the sleepless nights!
6. What aspect of your business have you taken the most pride in since you started?
I am a very visual person and have spent many hours researching my stall set up and finding displays that compliment my products and brand. I have had a lot of positive feedback with regards to my stall.
7. Do you have any entertaining stories or experiences since starting your business, unexpected events, or interesting developments?
Watching my husband and a male customer trying to hang up a dress after the customer’s wife had tried it on was very entertaining.
8. Has the business recently secured significant orders, expanded its premises, taken on new staff, received funding, produced something unique, increased exports, etc.?
I was delighted to be approved as an official Hell Bunny wholesaler and have recently secured Banned Apparel as well.
9. What do you love about running your business? Or the sector you work in?
My customers are all awesome - it is fantastic dealing with like minded people. Being passionate about the products I sell, I can offer personal advice regarding the sizing - and having pink/blue/purple hair I can show them in real life how the hair dye I stock looks!
10. What plans do you have for the future of your business?
I have over 15 events booked this year so far, so I’m looking forward to taking my stall on the road.
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