04/08/2026
One thing I’ve learned over the last five years is that every “no” gets you one step closer to the right “yes.”
When I decided to relocate Gonk World to Warrington, I really wanted a shop in Golden Square Shopping Centre. I got in touch, but the answer was no, so we found our home at The Hive instead. At one point I even considered moving to Chester, so I contacted the shopping centre there too. Again, the answer was no. Then lots of people suggested I apply for the Makers Market because they thought our products would be a great fit. I applied… and that was another no.
Those are just a few examples. Over the years I’ve approached all sorts of businesses and organisations with ideas and partnership opportunities. Some have said no, some haven’t been interested, and that’s all part of building a business.
I still remember when I started Gonk World back in 2021. People told me gonks were just a trend, that it was a one-time thing and it would never last. Well, five years later we’re still here. We’re still learning, still adapting and still growing.
Sometimes I ask myself, “Am I just banging my head against a brick wall, or am I actually on the right path?” Then I remind myself that if I stop asking, stop trying and stop looking for opportunities, I’ll never know. I’d rather hear another hundred no’s than miss the one yes that could take Gonk World to the next level.
Over the next few months you’ll see Gonk World continue to grow beyond just gonks. We’ll be introducing seasonal gifts, home décor such as cushions and blankets, bringing back our popular Christmas pyjama range, and we’re also planning to introduce pyjamas throughout the year for different occasions. We’re expanding our souvenir collections inspired by London, Warrington and Britain because I want Gonk World to become more than just a shop, I want it to be a destination.
So I’m putting this out there. If you know anyone involved with shopping centres, Christmas markets, visitor attractions, garden centres, or anywhere else that offers reasonably priced opportunities for small businesses, I’d really appreciate an introduction.
When Gonk World comes to a venue, we don’t just bring products. We bring a community, we bring creativity, we bring marketing, and most importantly, we bring people. We love creating experiences that give customers a reason to visit, stay longer and come back again. If that sounds like something your venue could benefit from, I’d love to have a conversation.
Maybe the next opportunity will be another no. Or maybe it’ll be the yes that changes everything. Either way, I’ll keep asking. 💚
P.S. If you’re wondering what Gonk World is all about, here’s our little CV. These are just some of the highlights from 2025. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved as a small family business, but we’re even more excited about what we’re working towards in 2026.
Who knows… maybe you’ll be part of that journey too. 💚
