By Alex Feechan, Founder & CEO of FINDRA
In 2014, I started FINDRA at my kitchen table in Innerleithen, a small town in the Tweed Valley known for its rich textile heritage. For generations, the town's economy was driven by its mills, but as the textile industry declined, Innerleithen faced the challenge of reinvention. Over time, tourism and mountain biking emerged as new pillars of the local economy, breathing new life into this picturesque town.
FINDRA’s beginnings were modest. After initially working from my kitchen, I moved operations to our garage, converting half of it into a small studio, stockroom, and office space. By February 2016, I took a significant step, renting a small office and hiring our first employee, Susan. This was a big leap for me, and we continued using the garage as our stockroom while Susan handled order processing and packing, cycling up the hill each day to retrieve stock for shipping.
As FINDRA grew, it became clear that we needed a larger, more cohesive space. I began searching for a location in Innerleithen that could combine our stockroom, design studio, and office. However, in such a small town, commercial properties were limited, and most suitable spaces were already occupied. It was during a conversation with a friend and FINDRA ambassador, Dee, that I learned of a property available for rent on the High Street.
When my partner Roddy and I first viewed 83 High Street, the exterior was unremarkable—small, with a boarded-up window and drab paint. But as soon as we stepped inside, I was taken aback by the spaciousness hidden behind the unassuming façade. The interior featured double-height ceilings, exposed beams, and large windows that filled the space with natural light. Where Roddy saw flaws, I saw potential. I immediately envisioned how we could transform this space into the perfect home for FINDRA.
The property also came with an interesting history—it was once the town jail, complete with one of the original cells still intact. Despite the challenges, including ongoing work to address rising damp and other issues, I knew this space had to be ours. After several months of negotiation, we finally moved into 83 High Street in February 2017, just over two years after FINDRA’s launch.
Initially, I had envisioned FINDRA as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business, but the character and charm of 83 High Street inspired a new direction. The front of the space, with its exposed stonework, high ceilings, and cosy log burner, was perfect for a retail store where customers could experience the FINDRA brand in person. We divided the space into three areas: the front became our shop, the middle our design studio and office, and the back our stockroom for online order fulfilment.
As we settled into our new home, we realized that the space could be more than just a store. We wanted it to serve as a community hub, hosting events that would bring people together. From the outset, we organized talks, social rides, and walks, aiming to inspire others to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Between February 2017 and March 2020, we transformed the once-boarded-up building into a lively, welcoming space that not only showcased our products but also encouraged more people to explore Innerleithen. The increased foot traffic benefited other local businesses, contributing to the town’s resurgence.
In March 2020, as COVID-19 spread, we faced a new challenge. Like many businesses, we had to close our physical store and focus entirely on online sales. The pandemic was a difficult period, but it also accelerated our growth in e-commerce. By 2021, we had outgrown our stockroom and made the decision to move our operations to nearby Walkerburn. This move allowed us to transform the High Street space into a larger retail store and community hub.
The addition of a café in 2023 was a milestone in our journey. The café has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering quality coffee and baked goods in a warm, inviting setting. It’s a place where people can relax, connect, and enjoy the unique charm of Innerleithen.
Our event space has also become a cornerstone of our community engagement. We’ve hosted local artists and makers, book launches, and photography exhibitions, providing a platform for creativity and connection. These events have helped create a vibrant atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.
The FINDRA story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship in revitalizing underserved communities. By investing in overlooked spaces, we can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and build thriving communities. Our journey in Innerleithen shows how taking a chance can bring new energy to a town, and I hope it inspires others to do the same.
Thank you for being part of our story. Together, we can continue to breathe new life into our communities, one step at a time.
Neil Stewart’s Colours in Adventure Exhibition opens at the FINDRA hub on the 16th of August, running until the 16th of September.
