FEATURE
5 questions with…
Christopher Streeter
In just two years, ODB Wraps have built a stellar reputation and an impressive portfolio of designs; proving
that the keys to success are a good idea and a whole lot of talent. With a brand-new shop in Brighton and a
big-name designer now on board, the team are ready to take things to the next level.
By Phoebe Fuller
Q. Talk us through the opening of your new shop?
A. It was exciting, we spent a lot of time and a lot of money opening
this up. We’ve made it into a bit of a lounging area where everyone
can hang out. We’ve got TVs in there, we’ve got football in there,
we’re currently trying to get an alcohol licence too.
“If someone tries to be corporate with me, that’s
it, I don’t want to work with them. I want to be
able to have people that are friends, I want that
community and friendship feel.”
Q. So how did you do business beforehand?
A. I’ve been in the industry about nine years now; before ODB Wraps
I was doing websites for e-liquid brands, branding and labelling. I
was a graphic designer for many years. I’ve been with ODB Wraps
for the last two years, it’s my company, but nobody knew who we
were so I decided ODB needed a home. People don’t realise that
we’re a really small company, it’s just me and my girlfriend.
Q. You say you focus on community, not money.
How does that work as a business?
A. We’re not corporate, we don’t try to be corporate. When we meet
people, we go out for a drink and have a laugh; I want to know
who these people are. If someone tries to be corporate with me,
that’s it, I don’t want to work with them. I want to be able to have
people that are friends, I want that community and friendship feel.
And I don’t want to work with every Tom, Dick and Harry in this
industry either, because if I have a feeling that you’re coming in
just for the money then I won’t work with you. I prefer to work with
the smaller people.
Q. How do you stay on top of the competition with
this way of working?
A. We’re lucky because we don’t really have any competition. At
the moment we’re working with one designer who is the lead
designer for Fender Guitars, Iron Maiden, Pantera, and Metallica –
so we’re getting big people in. We’re also doing competitions where
we get artists from the industry, from the tattoo industry, from the
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vape industry – from anywhere – as soon as we love it, we want
it involved.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. I want to open a few more stores and I want to bring out a mod,
an RDA, and my own CBD. I’ve got an e-liquid coming out called
Kai Juice which is very different. We’re also doing manufacturing
in apparel and clothing. I want ODB to supersede what it’s been
like so far but, at the moment, I’m working 28 hours a day, eight
days a week. I work hard for what I’ve got and me and my girlfriend,
Tyler, we’re always there to make sure it goes to the next step.