It’s fair to say that Elliot’s new side hustle bottomdrawerfinds has taken Perth by storm. BDF is an online shop which predominantly sells through Instagram and via pop up shops around Scotland. It offers preloved vintage, street & skatewear, and what a collection he has. We caught up with the local skater, musician and teacher to chat all about his clothing brand and what’s in store next…
Hello, Elliot! So tell us a little bit about bottomdrawerfinds?
“Hiya! bottomdrawerfinds is a small clothing business I created last year, specialising in selling preloved streetwear, vintage and skatewear. I handpick every item I sell from charity shops or online marketplaces, which helps fight fast fashion and gives every item a second home. I do monthly online “drops” and independently organise my own pop-up shops as well…”
What inspired you to start up the brand?
“I first began bottomdrawerfinds back in September 2021. I always used selling apps such as eBay, Vinted, and Depop but I found it difficult to grow my pages and gain followers. I created the brand account on Instagram with no real plans for it, I just posted the same listings as I did on any other platform.”
“Surprisingly, I managed to move a lot of my listings promptly. This motivated me to sell more and create a structure to the page. Over the past couple months I’ve been highly motivated to buy and sell brands that my followers want. I always love interacting with everyone on my page. It steers me in the right direction for what the people want to see from me.”
What else do you get up to when you are not running BDF?
“When I’m not running BDF I am working weekdays in a local school as a support assistant. Working within primary education has always been something I’ve aspired to do, it’s such a rewarding job and I feel like I’m making a positive impact. All the staff have been very supportive of bottomdrawerfinds and have even gone on to sell some of their own clothes on my page!”
“Other than working I am also a keen skateboarder. I’ve always had a huge interest in the culture of skateboarding – specifically clothing – which is why almost all of my stock is skatewear.”
“Perth skatepark is my second home and it is always full of friendly faces that push you to succeed. Naturally a lot of my buyers have been from the skatepark so it’s always such a crazy feeling seeing other skaters wearing the items I’ve sold to them.”
What events do you have coming up?
“I have a lot planned for the rest of the year! I am currently in conversation with a skate shop in Glasgow to set up a stall in their premises. If you told me six months ago that would be happening I definitely wouldn’t have believed you!”
“Alongside that, I am currently in the middle of organising my own pop up shop down at Perth skatepark. Ever since I’ve started the page many of the skaters have encouraged me to have an event down at the park. I am planning to do this mid-June and I would also love to showcase other small businesses such as Atomic Skateboards, MFBROOM, and Cosmic Records. There are so many amazing small businesses that need more praise in Perth so I hope my pop up shop can shine some light on them!”
“Ever since I’ve started BDF many of the skaters have encouraged me to have an event down at the park. I am planning to do this mid-June time and I would also love to showcase other small businesses such as Atomic Skateboards, MFBROOM, and Cosmic Records.”
What has the reception in Perth been like to bottomdrawerfinds?
“My first pop up shop was actually in Perth and I was blown away with the reception I got from it.”
“It’s such a weird feeling when someone new comes up to me and says “hey, you’re that bottomdrawerfinds guy”. For a city that is fairly limited in terms of clothing stores it’s amazing seeing so many locals taking interest in the brand.”
Where do you see the brand going over the next few years?
“It’s really hard to say! I’m very focused on my own career of becoming a primary school teacher however I would love to set up my own temporary shop in Perth in the future. I have really enjoyed interacting with people who visit my pop up shops so would love to do more of that. In the near future I will definitely be doing more pop up shops around Scotland, online drops and collaborating with other small businesses from Perth.”
Instagram: @bottomdrawerfinds
Fun Fact: You can also find Elliot playing in local band Knackered! (@knackeredband)
During her time with Perth Life Sophie oversaw and delivered a huge amount of work. From being the Deputy Editor of the physical What's On Magazines, to working with bands, creatives and wellness organisations across Perth and Scotland. Sophie was able to capture, record and share some of Perth's most memorable moments.
