Small Talk with Richard Davies

Between the beer tanks at 71 Brewing, collaborative platform Societay hosted their first ever Small Talk event in Dundee. Over 70 people came to the intimate venue to hear host Ali McGill chat with Richard Davies, founder of the cult clothing brand Abandon Ship.

In front of a live audience, Richard told the fascinating story of his life and entrepreneurial journey, including the highs and lows of running his art-focused clothing brand.

Photograph by Jack Sampson.

Richard’s love of drawing and illustration is reflected in the brand’s arty aesthetic, its playful ethos and the vibrant artwork decorating the walls of the shop space.

The event resembled an informal fireside chat, as Ali casually interviewed Richard. The floor was then opened up for questions at the end, with the opportunity to mingle and socialise before and after the talk. Think fireside chats meets the motivational impact of a TED Talk, but with plenty of beer.

Small Talk with Richard Davies

Small Talk with Richard Davies

Photographs by Jack Sampson.

Richard’s story is one which has inspired creatives and aspiring independent retailers across the country. Leaving school as a young boy with a love for art and design and plenty of ambition, he was soon running a successful clothing company from his bedroom with only two staff members. However, Richard faced challenges along the way, particularly when Abandon Ship was liquidated a few years ago and how he managed to successfully rebuild the brand and the business from scratch.

Richard’s positive attitude, his drive and his ambition were apparent when he spoke so passionately about his work and his brand, and his attitude to failure is inspiring. Instead of giving up and admitting defeat, failure can provide us with a chance to grow, to learn from our mistakes and to achieve more than we had before. (Photograph by Jack Sampson.)

Last month, Abandon Ship moved in with local coffee shop Daily Grind and barbers Hard Grind on Exchange Street from their previous location in the pink retail unit across the road. Richard also has plans to open up an Abandon Ship bar in the city centre.

Breathing new life into Downtown Dundee, the shop provides a relaxed space for people to hang out, get their hair cut and drink great coffee. And it’s one of the many reasons why Dundee has been named as Scotland’s coolest city.

This week’s fireside chat was the first in a series of 5 Small Talk events over the coming year in which Ali will pick the brains of creatives and game changers around Dundee. The series is hosted by local collaborative platform Societay, who run relaxed and informal events in Dundee for businesses and individuals to meet, create and collaborate in the city.

Video by Jack Sampson.

Starting off with their free monthly socials at The White Goose, Chris Gardiner, Daniel Rosie and Andy McGill from Societay plan to introduce more informal events in Dundee where business owners can share their experiences. These will range from creative cafes, to workshops, dinners and talks with the aim of connecting the local community and continuing to drive our creative city forward.

From left to right: Chris Gardiner, Daniel Rosie and Andy McGill from Societay.

Small Talk with Richard Davies

#standingawkward. Photographs by Jack Sampson.

The Small Talk series will showcase the wealth of personal and entrepreneurial successes in the Tayside area, whilst providing an opportunity for students, individuals and business owners alike to connect.

To quote the Societay founders, ‘Dundee has been producing some really interesting businesses and entrepreneurs like Richard from Abandon Ship and Duncan from 71 Brewing over the past few years.’ With their Small Talk series, their aim is to show people in the creative industries that turning a passion into a successful business is a real possibility. And having formed a new partnership with Entrepreneurial Scotland, they hope to share these success stories with a wider audience.

Photograph by Jack Sampson.

Interested in other creative events happening in the city? Check out my blog posts on Dundee GovJam and Dundee Design Month.