Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Why should adults have all the geeky fashion fun? Meet Jessica Trebing (@nerdywithkids), a mom who asked herself that very thing, and launched Nerdy with Children with the goal of helping kids “let their nerd flags fly.”
Nerdy with Children is an online retailer focused on kid fashion with a nerdy and nostalgic twist. Think: Hans Solo baby onesie, a tape deck tee, or a feature chemist baby romper. Just adorable.
But launching her own business hasn’t always been an easy path. By the sweat of her brow and a killer work ethic, Trebing has turned a blog into a profitable business, and she’s got some tips to share. So without further ado, read on for her insightful interview with Being Geek Chic.
Q: What was your inspiration for launching Nerdy with Children?
A: The short and sweet answer is that my baby girl was the biggest inspiration.
Before we made clothes, Nerdy with Children was a blog that provided a community for geeky and alternative parents. My current business partner Nick hired me to write for the site, and when both of us became new parents within a few months of each other, we decided to work together to evolve the company into a clothing brand.
I really liked the idea of my little girl growing up with the sense of fun, empowerment, and connection to the community that the right clothing can give.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish with the Nerdy with Children brand? What do you hope to instill within parents and their kids that wear your clothing?
A: Just as nerd culture is growing each year, I hope our shop and community grows with it. I’d like to keep building our line to include more unique designs and offer other products besides clothing, but I also want to be more than just a shop.
We really like the idea of parents sharing their favorite childhood memories and personal interests with kids through fun clothes that fuel imagination. We want parents to bond with their kids as they watch them write their own stories.
We are also looking into more designs that feature themes like board games and space exploration, because we want to help kids let their nerd flags fly.
Besides that, having someone take a picture of their kid in one of our outfits at a con next to Tom Hiddleston or Benedict Cumberbatch would be a bit of a personal win, just sayin’.
Q: What advice would you give your fellow lady geeks who are considering launching their own business?
A: You’re good at things you never knew you were! Find out what they are and combine them with the things you love, and chances are you’ll have yourself a successful and passionate enterprise soon enough.
You may not be able to work full time on your new business, but give it all you’ve got and things will start happening. Be dedicated, be on time and be professional (especially in social media). Keep your promises. Be organized. Be patient.
Surround yourself with people who have complementary skills. Use your connections and make new ones.
The best advice, however, is to start now. Never be afraid.
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
If I could take a character out for a drink, it would definitely be Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) from Battlestar Galactica. Girl knows how to party. I normally drink wine, but if I were with her, I’d probably drink a gin and tonic.
For the record, my second choice is Liz Lemon. I miss her all the time.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: Read more books! Play more video games! Pay more attention in math class! Travel! Stop worrying!
The most important and most difficult thing to learn will be to enjoy the present.
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
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