Georgia Patten and bored.george – Empowering confidence through eyewear

Pictured above: Georgia Patten.

Georgia Patten, the visionary founder behind bored.george, has not only carved a niche in the competitive world of designer sunglasses but has her eyes on achieving entrepreneurial success. Recently awarded The Most Outstanding Established Business at the David Awards 2023, Georgia reflects on her journey and the evolution of bored.george from a passion project into a successful small business.

In 2019, Georgia Patten embarked on a journey fuelled by creativity and a desire for something more. “What began as a creative outlet in my early 20s has blossomed into a thriving designer sunglasses company,” Georgia recalls. “I started bored.george while working a monotonous job, seeking a way to express myself and create something meaningful.”

Bored.george quickly gained traction for its unique blend of style, quality, and affordability. “We empower customers to express themselves confidently through eyewear that reflects individual moods and personalities,” Georgia explains. “Each pair of sunglasses is crafted with care, designed not just to protect eyes but to make a statement.”

Winning The Most Outstanding Established Business category at the David Awards 2023 was a pivotal moment for Georgia and bored.george. “Winning this award came at the right time,” Georgia shares. “As a single business owner, there’s always doubt, but this recognition reaffirmed what we’ve achieved and our potential for the future.”

The award underscored bored.george’s rapid growth and impact in the industry. “It was a celebration of our journey so far – a testament to our team’s dedication and our customers’ support,” Georgia reflects proudly.

Since its inception, bored.george has expanded significantly, boasting partnerships with over 90 retail stores across New Zealand. “We’ve been fortunate to collaborate with esteemed retailers like Flo & Frankie, Smith and Caugheys, Max Fashion, and Repertoire,” Georgia remarks. “These partnerships have been instrumental in broadening our reach and connecting with a diverse customer base.”

The past year has been marked by notable achievements for bored.george. “We’ve nearly doubled our online revenue and expanded our team,” Georgia notes. “Securing our first office space was a milestone, and we’re already planning for further expansion.”

Like any entrepreneurial venture, bored.george has encountered its share of challenges. “Transitioning from importing to designing our own eyewear was a significant milestone,” Georgia recalls. “It required building new partnerships and navigating international supply chains.”

The current economic landscape has posed challenges, but Georgia’s strategic approach has ensured resilience. “Managing increased costs and shifting consumer behaviours has been challenging,” Georgia admits. “However, we’ve focused on optimising operations and refining our marketing strategies to adapt.”

Support has been crucial during these times. “I’ve found mentorship invaluable,” Georgia shares. “Having a business coach to bounce ideas off has been essential in making informed decisions.”

Innovation has been key to overcoming these challenges. “We recently launched a new website leveraging AI technology,” Georgia explains. “AI has streamlined our operations, from generating website content to enhancing our social media engagement.”

Reflecting on her journey, Georgia encourages fellow entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities like the David Awards. “Participating in awards not only celebrates achievements but also provides invaluable feedback and exposure,” Georgia advises. “It’s a chance to gain recognition and inspire others in the entrepreneurial community.”

Looking ahead, bored.george remains committed to innovation and customer-centricity. “Our goal is to continue creating eyewear that resonates with our customers,” Georgia affirms. “We’re excited about the future and the possibilities ahead.”

Georgia’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.”

The David Awards

NZBusiness is a proud supporter of The David Awards, NZ’s popular small and home based business awards. If you’re a locally owned small business doing great things, you should consider entering. You have until Friday, August 9 to enter. Check out their website to learn more and take the first steps towards getting your business the recognition it deserves.