JOSHUA BROSNAHAN
Joshua started his career in the publishing industry working as a journalist for Stuff in Wellington and then returned to Christchurch as editor of a local magazine. He started his on-line business while working from home, but due to its rapid growth, he decided to take on the risks associated with opening in a brick-and-mortar location. He is now the owner of Booteek, a retail store selling recycled and vintage clothing in the central city's Boxed Quarter.
He supports over 40 resellers, including the City Mission, selling by what he terms as collective consignment. Like many small business owners, he said it felt very risky at the start, but he enjoys helping foster young businesses and start-ups get off the ground.
Since opening just over two years ago, Joshua has expanded his retail footprint and helped a friend into business by subleasing some space to start her floristry, Flowers by Jasmine. Jasmine has since blossomed and is set to expand into her own larger space shortly, having built good custom and her business confidence.
His ethos is to provide an accessible resource of pre-loved clothes and help reduce fashion industry wastage. He points to a faded and collar-worn Carhartt sweatshirt, telling us people love items like these and pay good money for them.
Joshua said Boxed Quarter is a densely populated development that is a melting pot mix of residential, business, art, hospitality, and retail, with a decent population of young people in and around the area. He said he looked for a place in New Regent Street, as he loves what is happening there, but also loves along Cashel Street in City Mall. We also got the heads up that he is looking to expand and open another store within the central city with a different identity. Exciting stuff – we will keep you posted on that.
He is super passionate about our inner city and loves being part of what he believes is the foundation of what is to come. We were curious about this statement and wanted to know a little more. He believes that Christchurch is an exciting place that will be known as the best city in New Zealand in the coming years, emerging with a fantastic blend of greenery and great architecture.
We asked what central city businesses inspire him, and he was quick to point to Infinite Definite, saying they have managed to create a great blend of fashion and homewares, along with Francis Nation, who he believes has really nailed their offering.
Day Good Café has great coffee, and said Alex from Gatherings, located on the fringe of the CBD, maybe one of the best chefs in Christchurch at the moment.