Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Ricci.
Hi Donna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My brothers were geeks and it was very much a single religion household (Star Wars), but in my effort to be closer to my brother Shawn, I snuck into his room to read his D&D books, play Talisman, and look at his collection of toys. I didn’t think I was being geeky when I latched onto media like Buffy, Star Trek, Harry Potter, and comic books because I was surrounded by others who were into it, so it seemed quite normal.
The store itself started with after-hours secret gaming groups in my steampunk clothing store, Clockwork Couture. When friends told me they’d rather buy from me, I started carrying a small selection. When I decided to get out of fashion, it seemed natural to keep the parts of the business that made me happy.
We did our unique blends of teas at the steampunk clothing store, and why not make a classier game store with British snacks and gaming? As an Anglophile, it seems to me like they go together well.
I’m the happiest and most fulfilled I’ve ever been professionally. I found that growing communities, rather than a business is what brings me joy. The business part takes care of itself when you surround yourself with good people.
4 years ago, I met a customer who became a friend, and then business partner, Eric Eikmeier who took on the challenge of growing what I built. Ever since we have been successful emotionally and financially.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I often got in my own way. They say what you want is on the other side of fear and I was afraid to let anyone into my personal space. I have almost always worked for myself and I like it that way. To share responsibilities was nice, but the idea of sharing control was not appealing. It has taken time to get used to allowing someone to challenge me, and even longer to allow myself to see it in a positive light.
We were keeping our head just above water, but not going anywhere. I was getting pretty burned out being the only employee 7 days a week. My personal relationships suffered as well. I needed a business partner would truly take on half of what wasn’t working and to have them help me see that. Eric has become the little brother I never wanted, but I appreciate and respect all that he has brought to this place. It’s his now too, and as a result, I have let myself see this shoppe as belonging to the community as a whole.
I still struggle sometimes when Eric suggests doing something that doesn’t true to the core of what I built. It takes
me sitting with this idea and knowing we aren’t the entire sum of what I built anymore but what he helped grow. Part of me needs this place to stay mine. This is what I grew, and I need to keep part of it all to myself. Even if it’s a small office with all of my geeky knick-knacks.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I tell myself I was a Disney imagineer in a previous life. I’m always seeking to recreate emotions in the store. We have a faithful recreation of the BBC version of Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberpatch. You’ll see the living room from Stranger Things, a whole area of Star Trek props, fully immersive dungeon=themed rooms, and other surprises that take you back to a moment in a show, movie, or fandom that touched you somehow. Even the instore playlist is made up of theme songs from shows, and iconic music in film.
Our store is made up of a wonderfully diverse blend of genders and personalities within our customers. I’ve always loved people and I think that comes through in our store. I get excited when someone discovers us for the first time, but I also adore our band of regulars who have become like family to me.
I’ve also always believed in giving back to the community that has supported me so we host craft faires for local artists, movie nights, storytelling nights, meet-ups, singles nights, and an in-store cat rescue.
What are your plans for the future?
We need a bigger store. I keep saying that to an eye-rolling responsive Eric that we need more space. We only moved here 3 1/2 years ago and we have outgrown it. I want to be able to do more filming here and support the podcast and livestream community that comes to us for their gaming needs. I want to entertain people.
It’s my hope when it is safe to do so again, to start putting on my live show again, Bad Board Games and Booze. It combines two of my favorite things.
Pricing:
- $5/ person to play games, all-day
- $.9.95 for each bag of tea, 3 oz by weight
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.geekyteas.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/geekyteas
- Facebook: facebook.com/geekyteas
