Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katrina Darwin, Owner of The Geekery, located in Nanaimo, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is called The Geekery, and I sell nerdy gifts for all ages and fandoms. My customers are people who tend to be on the nerdy side of things, but I do get the odd parent/guardian or friend who knows their loved one enjoys the geekier side of life. My customers range of all ages and genders, which is one of the things I love about my business. It brings so many diverse individuals together to a safe place for them to express their love and joy over something creative.

Tell us about yourself

When I was 14, I had my first job, and the manager was truly terrible. I realized then and there that I wanted to own my own business to show employees that management wasn't always like that and that it could be a kind and warm environment. After some time pondering what kind of business I wanted, I realized how much I love nerdy things and wanted to focus on bringing more nerdy goodness to the world. Seeing the look on people's faces when they walk up to my booth at a market and they realize I sell something from their favorite fandom is what keeps me going. I love seeing people light up when they realize they are being seen. It makes me feel like an important part of their life, even if it's just for a few minutes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, surviving this long and not having to shut down due to COVID-19. I started my business five years ago (as of 2022), and I had one small blip from November 2019 to July 2020 where I wasn't running my business at all, but I actually started it back up because of COVID. I was bored and at home and had little to do, so I started back online to see how things were going.

Eventually, as vaccines were rolled out and cases got lower, I started back at markets and conventions and now have a couple of regular events that I sell at. It's been incredible to be able to bounce back from my time away from the business and to see how many people recognize my brand and me. I just want to keep growing and building my business, but I also know I need to do it slowly, so I don't burn myself out.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Balance is my hardest struggle. I love my business so much that I want to spend every single second working on it, but I have other jobs and a family and household things to do as well. It's not my favorite thing, but sometimes I have to take a step back and determine if the effort I am putting in at the moment benefits my business or hurts my health. It's not always easy to tell, but I am working on setting more boundaries so I can enjoy my work and play.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Write a solid business plan. Really think it over and put a lot of effort into a plan. Even if you don't actually need one to present to a bank for financing, it will help to have something to fall back on when you're struggling to find your place in the big ocean of business.
  2. Dip your toe in first before jumping in with both feet. I made the mistake of going full-in financially and time-wise before I had established myself, and I was struggling for that first year and a half. I ended up having to go back to work part-time and eventually shutting my business down for a short time to recover financially. Now I am back at it while working part-time, and I am the happiest with myself and my business that I have ever been.
  3. You have a unique perspective that no one else has. Even if you think the product/service you want to sell has already been done, no one else has what you bring to the table. No one else has your life experiences, so use that to position yourself in the market. Be real with people online and in person; show them who you really are. Honesty and reliability will bring customers and keep customers much more than a quick trend.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's tough to be a small business owner. There are days where I want to burn everything to the ground metaphorically, and other days where I wish I could do this every single minute of every day and never sleep because I love it so much. There needs to be a balance, and you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself. It can be so easy to pour 100% of yourself into a project, but if you don't take care of your needs, then it will be a time where you have to stop. I try to balance my work and play by watching YouTube videos while I do menial tasks for the business and putting my phone away, and spending time with my family in the evenings. It's not easy, but putting small checks in place to make sure you are taking care of yourself too is so important for the longevity of your business and your health.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://thegeekeryshop.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekery1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeekery1/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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