30/04/2026
Two years ago today, I picked up the keys to what would become Phillips Hobbies first “real” home.
I’ll try not to get too emotional writing this… but if you know me and how much I love this place, you’ll know that’s not going to happen.
It feels like a lifetime ago, yet I remember it so clearly. The agent handed me the keys, wished me well, and drove off. And there I was, stood there on my own, thinking: what on earth have I done?
There was no getting out of this one!
One minute you’re a 21-year-old working out of a crammed spare bedroom. The next, you’ve taken on a space that feels enormous, with overheads about to start piling up - and no real idea how you’re going to fill it.
I knew what I wanted to do. I’d spent years dreaming about it. There’s a big difference between having a dream and actually standing face-to-face with it. It’s humbling… especially for a ‘kid’ whose only job before this was a paper round.
Four days later, the first shelves were up, and orders were going out.
It still took me months to properly open the shop. I wanted everything to be “perfect”.
But what I’ve learned since is that there’s no such thing as perfect, and there’s never a “right” time. Sometimes you just have to jump in feet first and trust that the rest will follow.
These past two years have been incredible… and bloody tough. I’m slightly surprised I haven’t found any grey hairs yet - but hey, I’m sure they’re on the way! 🤣
Truly: whether you’ve visited the shop, ordered online, or supported from afar - I see you. Every order, every message, every bit of support means more than I can properly put into words.
SO, for as long as you’ll have me, I’ll keep doing everything I can to be your go-to model shop.
Thank you ❤️
George
Cue a few (reflective) pictures and bad hair days!
