5 years. 5 years since I sat on our lounge couch with a laptop computer (in Ashford, Surrey), clicked the ‘publish’ button in nervous anticipation and launched the Tikiboo website into existence.
With few merchandise to advertise and restricted inventory, we did not fairly know what to anticipate. With solely 5 orders in February 2015, we knew this challenge could be an uphill wrestle, however an thrilling problem all the identical.
On the time we had no thought that we might nonetheless be operating the web site 5 months later, not to mention 5 years!
We had no plan to develop into a model (an internet store promoting different manufacturers was the preliminary intention; the unique identify in 2014 was Tikiboo Boutique for that reason), however by the help of our wonderful prospects, we (someway) turned one.
What went from being one thing Faye and I may work on for a number of hours within the evenings quickly utterly took over our lives (to the purpose that we needed to depart our day jobs and dedicate all of our spare time to Tikiboo). From modelling and pictures to social media and customer support, to product improvement and design, to web site updates and packing orders, the two of us labored relentlessly to maintain the enterprise rising.
There have been factors after I typically labored 20 hour days to maintain up with the workload (I would prefer to say that this has modified now that we now have a crew, however as every part has develop into a-million-times-busier, I nonetheless discover myself working late at evening attempting to maintain issues operating easily!)
Admittedly, I by no means fairly understood the enchantment of vibrant leggings initially. Not being from a health background, I could not fairly work out why our Tikiboo merchandise have been common (not that I used to be complaining as I used to be grateful for the customized, however I used to be additionally puzzled).
I appreciated the merchandise from a design perspective (coming from a inventive background), however carrying them? I did not get it.
Apart from Faye championing vibrant leggings to each health class you’ll be able to ever think about, I did not see many individuals carrying clothes like Tikiboo in 2015 (the panorama has modified considerably these days!)
Nevertheless, after I began seeing buyer images throughout social media hashtags exhibiting their enjoyment from Tikiboo merchandise, and the model itself, it began to make sense.
Seeing the varied use circumstances (images of sports activities and health lessons I by no means knew existed), the positivity on buyer’s faces and the inspiring buyer tales (the weight-loss journeys are unbelievable) helped me to know what Tikiboo is. The expansion of a supportive Tikiboo Group lately now much more so.
Additionally, having tried on a few of the leggings myself since then (I shan’t be modelling them, I would add), I now perceive the enchantment (they’re so comfy!)
It has been a really incredible journey.
The expansion from a easy thought between 2 individuals in a lounge to a full-blown enterprise with workers and workplaces in Windsor is one thing I by no means anticipated in hindsight.
The good individuals we have labored with and met alongside the best way. The friendships we have made. The enterprise partnerships we have shaped (I by no means as soon as imagined I would be having conversations with workers at Sesame Avenue in New York). The publications we have featured in. The varied awards we have gained. The cash our prospects have helped us elevate for charities.
All of it has been wonderful, and we’re very grateful for every part.
To anybody who has ever positioned a Tikiboo order, or supported us on our journey in any method, we thanks.
5 years, full.
Here is to the subsequent 5 years and to us doing our greatest to proceed to offer nice merchandise and happiness by the fantastic world of Tikiboo!
Daniel Jobbins
Tikiboo Co-Founder / Director (aka Tikibossman)
