"My aspiration is to encourage entrepreneurs through my pride, passion and enthusiasm; in order to empower them to build on their innovation and creative vision"
2003 - 2023 TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING
In July 2023 we celebrate eight years of success with DVDMEGASTORE.
Below are the highlights of Estaban and his journey to date.
2003 - The roller coaster begins
With zero interest in further education; Estaban burnt his school books down an alleyway, packed a bag and left home declaring his release upon society.
He had his first ever interview on his 16th Birthday and started retail work three days later.
Since then he worked his way to Manager, slowly but surely absorbing knowledge and wisdom,
paving the way to the creation of his own businesses; after suffering with mobility issues.
Below are the highlights of his journey so far, the stories of drink, drugs, disaster and consequences along the way, will have to wait for another time...
Released Trilogy of Leon at 19
I was told at school I could not release a book and that there was no point. They told me if I didn't want to go to college, that I should accept an apprenticeship in carpet laying. I refused.
I had a mission to create a young writers group to support and encourage creative writing in the minds and hearts of our next generation of wordsmiths.
I approached Telford & Wrekin Library Service who said if I could get an author on side that they would be willing to help me do this.
I became that author and the writing group was created, running successfully and held at Oakengates Theatre.
Community Filming Project
Everything used was begged, borrowed and pleaded
I had the vision to organise, create and release a short film on a low-to-no budget, being younger I would have enjoyed this opportunity, so I chose to provide it; to the best of my ability.
Backed by the success of the Young Writers Group and my book in hand I approached Dovecotes Arts Centre who kindly agreed to lend us a filming camera and their editing suite.
My brother, Robin; the creative mind behind the filming itself joined myself and a team of people who all volunteered their time and dedication to create Deathmate.
The main purpose of this project was to provide an opportunity for people to taste an amateur filming environment, to see if they would enjoy further education in media studies and related fields.
2008 Pride of Shropshire Awards
Estaban was proud to be a finalist in the Pride of Shropshire Awards.
He had also been nominated for a National Community & Heritage Award.
Estaban has always been an ideas factory and wanted to do more...
Exo Sound & Artist Support Krew (ASK?)
In order to provide a free promotional network to help independent and unsigned musicians showcase their work, Estaban created Exo and ASK?
These projects were online based via social media.
Exo was able to film some interviews for Youtube and also financed competitions and photo shoots when able.
via ASK? he financed an online radio live stream for 12 months enabling the community to share their work.
2015 DVDMEGASTALL - LAUNCHED
Late 2014 Estaban suffered mobility health issues which found him unemployed and struggling to see a future in employment within retail.
During this time of reflection he took the opportunity to study and complete a diploma in life coaching, he also obtained another in business coaching; both of which he passed with distinction.
He enlisted as part of the Princes Trust New Enterprise Initiative and created a business called Gifted - selling craft work manufactured by local vendors.
First Shop
Within a week Estaban knew that the business wasn't going to be successful and so out of necessity of creating some funds, in order to pay the stall fee, he took the only items he could think to sell on the Saturday.
250 of his own DVDS.
That day he sold 125, paid the stall fee; and purchased another collection of 150 DVDS on the Sunday - ready to sell the next week.
The new business was born!
He obtained his first shop within 2 months of this as part of the enterprise zone at the Pride Hill Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
Finalist Princes Trust Natwest Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2016
Estaban was proud to have the privilege of attending the awards ceremony with his Princes Trust mentor, Pete.
He had the honour of delivering inspirational speeches to other aspiring entrepreneurs during his time with the PT and often championed their continued good work.
Many moves, one goal; growth.
Over the last 8 years we have moved location a total of five times. A loyal fan base of customers have moved with us and enjoy witnessing the expansion.
We always strive to get bigger and better, enhancing the product and services on offer and increasing the team behind the brand.
We are now located opposite Marks & Spencer, near Primark, WHSmith and Home Bargains.
Buttercup Bookshop
In the middle of the pandemic we took the opportunity to open Buttercup Bookshop, Estaban's passion for words always enticed him to open a bookshop and whilst he was in the position to, he seized the opportunity.
Buttercup Bookshop is now located within DVDMEGASTORE, as a shop-in-shop experience and boasts hundreds of children's books and proudly supports its free book initiative.
Throughout the year we provide different editions of Buttercups colouring sheets, each completed piece can be exchanged for a free children's book.
Darwin's Barbers
The following September Estaban created Darwin's Barbers within The Collective, located on the lower floor of the Darwin Centre.
The barbershop is managed by Allie, a regular favourite with our clients and a great addition to Estaban's team.
Kelly is our latest rising star getting to be known well within Darwin's Barbers, be sure to visit.
What's current with Estaban?
DVDMEGASTORE's Aspirations Initiative uses funds raised from donations and carrier bag charges to finance business management diplomas for aspiring entrepreneurs, who may not otherwise be able to access or obtain them.
We are proud to announce we are ready to offer our first opportunity and will be taking applications.
Pocket Money Pit Stop is a new brand that focuses on fun toys at pocket money prices and currently sits as a concession within DVDMEGASTORE, with the view of becoming a stand alone store in the future.
