Gareth Owens
We're super fortunate to know a lot of interesting and creative people and for our first conversion we got to pick the brains of Gareth (Gaz) Owens owner of Second Chance Coffee and Donald's. Gaz wear's many hats and everything he does get's done with 110% effort and passion.
There's some great bits of inspiration, honesty and a lot to learn from in this interview. Read on below:
And whilst you're doing that check out Gazza FM - some tunes to get you in the mood
What’s your main Inspiration and how did you get started?
Gaz - I always say I got into business by accident, I think...
To be truthfully honest I got into business by deciding to hitchhike around Wales and try to raise some money for a good cause at the same time, the rest really did snowball pretty quickly from there.
But I guess when you delve into that a bit deeper, I was super passionate about doing something good and really trying to create something in my hometown that would outlast me and my time there (I’m really proud to say that’s the case to this day) so I guess that's probably how it started in some way, shape or form.
So I guess my main inspiration was being passionate and invested in wanting to do some good?
What did your idea / product / business start life as ?
Gaz - It started as a load of t-shirts that my brother heat pressed for me on the top floor of his work building. I wanted to raise some funds and awareness around mental health and support young people around my age to talk and find avenues of accessing help, and I felt merchandise and t-shirts were a great way of helping start a conversation and raise some funds for some great causes.
In your journey, what's been the most unexpected lesson you've learned?
Gaz - It’s a tough one, as lessons can be found everywhere and from almost anything I guess. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that everybody starts somewhere. Just because I’m not capable now, doesn’t mean I wont be capable at some point. I think we live in a world where everybody wants to be seen and come across as an expert or someone who’s thriving in their field and I think that can be pretty damaging, especially with social media. I try and make a point of telling myself that I should always try to keep learning, keep challenging myself and really don’t settle just because of time or age. I loved watching the founder on Netflix recently; not because I admire tycoons and people who grow multi-billion dollar business’, but because Ray Kroc (McDonalds) was 53 when he started, and still had the same enthusiasm and passion for starting a business as most of us would have in our mid 20’s whilst lots of his friends had really started to slow down as retirement approached them.
In your journey, was there a moment of serendipity that took your work in a new direction?
Gaz - I think there’s probably been several if truth be told. I know I wouldn’t be here answering these questions for you right now if it wasn’t for moments of serendipity. I guess there’s a couple of right places, right time moments etc, but there’s been lots of wrong places wrong times too. I guess serendipity can come from knowing if it’s supposed to happen it will, or that you don’t meet people by chance and that it’s all supposed to happen at some point.
I’ve worked with some incredible people I’ve met at parties, through hitching rides and generally putting myself out there and not being afraid to ask for help - maybe that moment of serendipity for me came from not being afraid to ask people for help.
Could you share a story of a project or design that didn't go as planned but led to unexpected success?
Gaz - Yeah I guess so, I mean it’s pretty personal to me but I was involved in a venture that I decided to leave a few years back because it really wasn’t working for me. I think looking back on it in hindsight I had the wrong partners for me in both business and friendship terms and we really weren't aligned or in sync with each other - that goes for both parties. Leaving it was really hard; I felt I lost a huge part of my identity as I’d been a real driving force behind the project and really felt upset by how it all ended, however I knew I couldn’t stay and be a part of something that didn’t sit right or work for me.
I look back on that time now a few years down the line and realize leaving was the best thing that could have happened for me. I’m now around people I feel much more aligned too, I feel I have so much control in knowing what does and doesn’t work for me (from friends and business partners) and that I’ve been able to remove a ceiling on what I was and wasn’t capable of doing -it sounds cheesy you have to be in the right environment to grow and flourish and I feel I’d of never gone on to do what I have done in that time without having to have gone through that time.
What's one piece of unconventional advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs or creatives?
Gaz - It sounds a touch cheesy, but starting is the hardest part. Once you’ve decided to start, you’re in!
Don’t be embarrassed by fucking up, not getting it right first time or even making a fool out of yourself at the expense of others having a laugh!
What's the most surprising feedback you've received about your work, and how did it impact you?
Gaz - I actually can’t draw on an experience or memory that stands out I’ll be honest - I wouldn't want to bullshit you with some kind of mindset bro mentality and make something up.
What I can say however is deep down I know I’m a sensitive soul so probably have some kind of filter that tries to really drown out feedback that isn’t constructive as I feel so much of my work, like anything is subjective.
Some people will relate, some won't, so I try to just work on things that I would like to share and do, and I guess if people want to provide me with feedback, great - but it’s not something I’m overly craving or searching for that makes sense? I’m pretty comfortable with who I am and what I’m about if that figures and doesn’t make me sound like a dick, but I think you’ve gotta really know yourself and your work before putting a body of work out there, personally.
In terms of business, what do you think is more important: sticking to your niche or exploring diverse opportunities?
Gaz - I think it’s important to find what excites you personally. I guess the ventures I’ve pursued or attempted to work on have always come from a passionate place which has excited me. There’s always going to be gaps in markets, new opportunities and lots of exciting prospects, but I think it’s really important to go where feels best for you at that time.
In the world of design and business, who do you look up to and why?
Gaz - I was talking about this with a close friend the other day actually, and there’s a few that have stood our overtime that I’ve always kept an eye on, followed and always looked to as someone I’d like to think I can see some of myself in some day.
Pat Tenore - founder of RVCA
I really love what he’s done in terms of creating a community within RVCA, whether that’s through the artists he’s worked with, the brand he’s built or just generally how he’s regarded in terms of how he treats people.
Valentin Ozich - founder of I Love Ugly
A real icon in New Zealand for what he’s done for the fashion industry; I know I mentioned Pat Tenore above and they’re in a similar bracket, but I like Valentin’s approach to being vulnerable in his journey - I listened to a fair bit of his podcast and his story of starting ILU through covid and was taken back by how confident he was in his brand, and how he wasn’t afraid to speak freely and openly about things that did and didn’t work for him. I think we’re all quick to say what works for us, but it’s refreshing to see someone be firm on what doesn’t in business.
Doug Paladini - vice president of Vans
I guess as far as all three people I’ve listed, they’re at the forefront of exciting and creative brands; what I really like about Paladini is that he’s maybe not as much a creative as Tenore or Oztich, but someone who’s responsible for vans growth throughout the 90’s and into the early 2000’s and his approach to not limiting yourself.
One of his big drive’s with vans was talking about the lens of aperture, and why when we only expose our lens to certain things, we’ll only expect certain results, so why not widen your lens.
I find that advice helpful to things I apply myself too.. Why can’t I do something, just because I haven't done it before. Why limit myself to just making shoes? It’s food for thought that's for sure.
How do you balance following trends with maintaining your unique style or business identity?
Gaz - For myself personally it’s about doing what feels right for you; if a trend or style doesn’t fit you or your ways of doing business, why circum to it? One of my all time favorite quotes comes from Patti Smith who got questioned and accused of “selling out” with her hit song “Because the Night” after it not being seen as “punk” - Patti replied by telling the journalist that punk is about doing whatever the fuck you want, so if she decides she wants to sell out, it’s punk; I really rate that and try apply it to the way I do business around my style and identity.
How do you measure success in your work? Is it all about the bottom line or something more?
Gaz - I think for me personally I love getting something off the ground and going. I think I value and pride success in people being able to connect or relate to a piece of work I’ve worked on and got moving, and I guess seeing a vision become a reality. It lived in my head, and I had the ability to articulate it well enough through design and a brand to tell a story that people can hear and see, I think that’s what gives me that feeling that I’ve succeeded in work.
Looking ahead, what's the next big thing you're excited to tackle?
I have a lot of work to look forward to at the moment actually. I’m due to start a new role with an exciting company that’s not long started up; I’m really excited to be working closely with the owners and help them drive things forward.
As well as that I have the launch of a new venture called Donalds which is a love letter to my late grandad that I really believe has some wheels to really grow into something exciting but in truth be told I’m probably most excited to be moving into a new flat.
I’ve had a really busy few years since landing here in Cardiff (Cardiffornia) and have moved about a few places in the city, so having some long term security and a place to make my own for the next 12 months and then some whilst I have lots going on is really exciting. Happiness starts at home and all that.
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A big thanks to Gaz for taking the time to tell us his story and share his inspiration as well.
You can find Gaz and his ventures below:
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