ABF took some time out this week to chat with Peter Bellerby, Founder + Creator of Bellerby & Co Globemakers, about his beautifully hand crafted bespoke globes. They really are one of a kind. We spoke about all things globe related and his successes and failures along the way.

Photo Credit : Feature Image – Andy Donohoe

ABF:

Can you tell us the story of how Bellerby & Co Globemakers came about?

Pete:

I always had a love for world maps and geography. I think it is natural to want to know more about the planet we live on. Globe-making itself started as a hobby. I wanted to find a gift for my fathers upcoming 80th birthday. I found the options were either poor replicas or priceless antiques. It seemed the art of traditional Globe-making was gone. I decided to go about making my own – thinking I would make one for my father and one for myself and that would be it – but after 2 years of teaching myself and making hundreds of globes that were not good enough – and after nearly bankrupting myself a business was born!

Photo Credit : Harry Mitchell (Above Image)

ABF:

What were the biggest challenges for you starting your own business?

Pete:

Because the company started as a hobby, I started without a business plan. For me the biggest challenge was the fact that I was unfamiliar with manufacturing, marketing, and retailing (what was I doing for the first 43 years of my life you may ask). But essentially I was starting a business in a field that I had very little knowledge about. Perhaps in a way that became positive, because I didn’t see barriers that a seasoned professional may have spotted – and being in my 40’s I was over confident in my ability. The other small challenge was that there was no one on the planet I could turn to for help. I had to learn the whole process by myself through trial and error. That in the end became the driver more than the challenge.

Photo Credit : Paul Marc Mitchell (Above Image)

ABF:

What has been your biggest failure so far and what lesson did you take from this?

Pete:

In my twenties I was determined to set up my own company but I didn’t put in the time first. I think it’s so important to ‘do your time’ in an industry to learn from others before going solo. There is a slightly artificial narrative that is making people impatient for success, and I was like that throughout my twenties. When I finally got a half decent job in TV, I put my head down and during my first year I was working 7 days a week for more than half the year. No one ever questioned my work ethic after that!

Photo Credit : Harry Mitchell (Above Image)

ABF:

What has been your greatest success?

Pete:

Success is a strange concept for the English. It is a not something I/we like to shout about, and I don’t want to spout boring platitudes about making money for charity, which all companies should do by default. I love that we are making product we are proud of, and that I get to employ talented local artists and makers to work with their hands.

Photo Credit : Marc Paul Mitchell (Above Image)

ABF:

What keeps you looking and feeling so youthful, I swear you never age. What is your secret?

Pete:

I put a mix of tripe and cold cream on my face every night. And cucumbers on my eyes. I wash it all off before my partner wakes up.

Photo Credit : Sebastian Boettcher Freunde-von-Freunden (Above Image)

ABF:

For you personally, what has been one narrative that you feel has held you back and one that has propelled you forward?

Pete:

I think when I came to London to say I was green behind the ears was an understatement, I had no idea about the variety of industries and jobs available. The narrative I was told by my parents generation held me back as far as not being on the a path I was passionate about earlier.

Growing up in the country however did give me a good work ethic and a can-do attitude. I don’t enjoy doing a job if I am not doing it to the best possible standard so my own expectations propel me forward.

Photo Credit : Kimisa.H (Above Image)

ABF:

Choose one inspiring narrative you like to live your life by.

Pete:

Your are only here once. Make the most of it.

Photo Credit : Sebastian Boettcher Freunde-von-Freunden (Above Image)

ABF:

Finally, what is your favourite song, favourite recipe + ABF workout.

Pete:

Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D major, which I have listened to probably 200+ times

I never follow recipes or replicate things exactly the same multiple times, but my favourite thing to cook is a saddle of lamb, slow cooked, with the perfect roasties that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I love a good stretch so it has to be Chiara’s stretch class. 

Photo Credit : Kasia-Bobula (Above Image)

This blog is all about building a community of people who want to Change The Narrative for the better. If you want to share your story on our blog please email us at info@abodyforever.com.

We celebrate stories because stories and the narratives we tell ourselves dictate our lives.

Love Amy + The ABF Team