Photo of Adrian

Adrian

"Through Goldsmiths I gained a love of London, lifelong friendships and a chance to mix with creative people from diverse backgrounds." 

Main details

Department Sociology
Occupation Owner of Vintage Haus

"I set up my business in 2010, after leaving my previous role of 3 years as editor of Hospitality Interiors. Collecting rare automobilia and bicycles has been a passion of mine since childhood, but making the move from amateur collector to buying and selling professionally and making a living required a real leap of faith.

Today I have an online ebay shop stocked with several hundred rare car and bicycle parts and as my business continues to evolve and grow. The model works, though sometimes perhaps more inconsistently than I'd like. 

I am currently selling refurbished and custom bicycles all over the world. Being based in North London, I service a steady stream of people looking for something a little different. The cycles I sell were mostly manufactured in the 70s and 80s, and are either refurbished or used as the basis to create something a bit more exotic. 

Running a small business can be very satisfying but is always demanding and very busy. What you get out really is all about your input. Finally, nothing can ever be taken for granted...customers who seek interesting and unusual products can be fussy and even then there's no guarantee they'll buy! Goldsmiths prepared me for my future in so many ways. I learnt about creative thinking and relationship building and I gained a love of London, lifelong friendships and a chance to mix with creative people from diverse backgrounds."

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