Nordic Makers was one of the first stores I found in Ireland that stopped me dead in my tracks with a, “Sorry love, I HAVE to go in!”
Louis Weyhe Funder, Nordic Makers
1.) How did your business come about? How was this idea born and what lead you to do what you’re doing now?
Myself and Klaus, my business partner, officially started our first company in Copenhagen about a year and a half ago. We then started our Irish company about six months later! We had planned to start some type of design venture for many years, and have been doing smaller pop-up shops in Denmark previously. We didn’t initially plan to have an actual physical store, but it has its advantages – especially during the early stages of a retail venture. I have a doctorate in Architectural history, and Klaus has a background in corporate management and sales.
2.) Tell us about your morning routine. Any specific rituals / productivity aspects etc?
No rituals other than checking/answering emails first thing.
3.) What inspires you?
Buildings, materials, nature and people – probably in that order.
4.) Biggest lesson you’ve learnt?
That most people know a lot more about most stuff than I do.
5.) Biggest failure so far?
Probably something related to bookkeeping and VAT. (I hear ya!)
6.) Biggest Success so far?
We’ve managed to establish our name in Ireland a lot quicker than what we expected.
7.) Your work space? Clean & Minimal or Eclectic and colourful – what would we find on your desk?
Clean and minimal. You wouldn’t find anything other than a lamp.
8.) Top 3 entrepreneurial tips?
Be flexible, be nice, work hard.
9.) Who are you currently listening to?
Ruth Moody, Ryan Bingham and Avett Brothers.
10.) Your best marketing tool?
Social media is probably still our best marketing tool.
11.) Dream Big Right? What’s next for you?
Short term:
Introduce new events (including a new series of temporary exhibitions with young Irish artists (mainly painting and sculpture – starting in early May), increase online sales, increase corporate sales, and increase our product range.
Longer term:
Introduce our own Nordic Makers product range. (I so look forward to seeing that!)
Hopefully shipping world wide soon!
For more info:
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