Waynorth is an online watch & accessories company selling products on way-north.com and other 3rd party sites.
The company launched in May 2014, driven by my desire to find a quality, stylish watch for less. At the time, it couldn’t be found. This made me ask why?
Aged 17 with no experience, I relentlessly emailed 100s of manufactures online asking if it was possible. With each conversation & rejection, my knowledge of the possibilities grew.
Within 6 months, I found a manufacturer, designed a watch & website and launched Waynorth.
In the first month, we broke even. In the second, made a profit. I quickly reinvested profits for more stock. Waynorth has been in profit ever since.
I was able to source new products including bracelets, leather wallets and different varieties of straps.
Sales grew and by September the company was thriving. I decided to reject my university place and make Waynorth full time.
We began selling at local events, markets as well as via 3rd party sites along with the Waynorth site.
The business continued to grow, largely through the use of social media marketing. In a short period, Waynorth was sending watches all around world.
With growing demand, I hired my first employee (aka my mum) to fulfil orders and outsourced design work to freelancers.
In 2015, @waynorth got on the cover of the Ulster Tatler and became the first male model cover in its history.
With the online nature of the business, I took every opportunity to travel. A highlight including a 7 day trip to Hong Kong to meet manufactures.
Over the next 3 years, the company continued to flourish and develop. We expanded the product line, refined the business processes and grew sales year or year.
At the end of 2016, I made the somewhat shock decision to take a step back from Waynorth. I hope to write more about this decision in the future.
The business was the best learning experience I could’ve asked for.
Current day…
After journeying a career in marketing for agencies and in-house, I recently quit and started a small-batch hot chocolate company called Hotties Chocolate.
I shut down Waynorth last year to fully focus on my new venture. I one day hope to relaunch it as a passion project that I am proud of.
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Reuben McFeeters 