In the heart of Abertillery, nestled among the rolling hills of Wales, Joshua Hill and his wife Esther have been cultivating a haven for tabletop game enthusiasts. Their business, Hearthside Games, began as a dream to merge their passion for gaming with their desire to foster a welcoming community space. Now, poised for expansion, they’ve turned to Purple Shoots for support in their next chapter.
Joshua Hill, armed with a BA Hons in Game Design from Staffordshire University, coupled his academic knowledge with a decade of hands-on experience in retail. His vision for Hearthside Games was born out of a personal struggle to find affordable, local outlets for tabletop and role-playing games. With Esther’s expertise in business administration and human resources, the duo embarked on a journey to create a space where enthusiasts and newcomers alike could gather, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in the world of gaming.
Hearthside Games isn’t just a retail store—it’s a community hub. Their mission is twofold: to offer a diverse selection of games and supplies at affordable prices and to cultivate a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. Joshua and Esther envision their shop as more than just a place to purchase merchandise; it’s a sanctuary where friendships are forged, and passions are ignited.
As Hearthside Games gains momentum, Joshua and Esther are ready to take the next leap forward. Their expansion strategy includes diversifying their inventory, enhancing the store’s ambiance, and extending their reach through an online platform with next-day delivery. To fuel these initiatives, they sought financial assistance from Purple Shoots.
While initially considering Purple Shoots’ loan as match funding for a council grant, Joshua and Esther restructured their approach based on Purple Shoots’ assessment criteria. Understanding the importance of financial sustainability, they have crafted a robust business plan and cash flow projection. Purple Shoots’ decision to support their expansion underscores our commitment to nurturing grassroots enterprises with viable growth strategies.
Like many businesses, Hearthside Games faced setbacks, including existing debts accrued during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they’ve proactively addressed these issues, collaborating with Step Change to manage repayments. Additionally, uncertainties surrounding council grants are mitigated by Purple Shoots’ focus on loan affordability independent of external funding sources.
As Hearthside Games embarks on its expansion journey, Joshua and Esther remain steadfast in their dedication to their vision. With Purple Shoots’ support, they’re poised to realise their dream of creating a thriving community hub for gamers of all ages and backgrounds. Their story exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of small business owners, who, even in the face of adversity, continue to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Joshua and Esther’s entrepreneurial journey with Hearthside Games epitomises the transformative power of passion and community. Through strategic planning, adaptability, and collaboration with Purple Shoots, they’re not only expanding their business but also enriching the lives of tabletop gaming enthusiasts in Abertillery and beyond. As they embark on this new chapter, Hearthside Games serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.