AT JUST 17 years of age, Tamworth’s Reuben Boatwright is skating his way towards his very own business empire.
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The young entrepreneur isn’t out to become rich and famous; Reuben just wants to make money out of something he loves.
He’s always had an artistic streak, hand drawing designs, and using Photoshop to create his own unique works, all the while pursuing his favourite pastime – skateboarding.
About 12 months ago he borrowed $200 from his mum, Kristy, to place an order with a company for some skateboards bearing his own designs.
He started out with the name Fakie Skateboards, which in skate terms means “going backwards”.
That name was short-lived, however, as a clothing company quickly messaged Reuben saying the name was taken, so it’s now known as Haloumi Skateboards.
Business has been brisk, as he’s sold out of each order he’s placed, with his mates lapping up the custom-designed boards in the colour of their choice.
One of the latest designs is a cracker, featuring all the usual suspects Reuben hangs out with at the skate park – Anaky, Harry, Zac, Brendan, Lee, Isaac, Kyle and Hank.
The detail is extraordinary, right down to the magpie sitting on his friend’s head.
Up until recently, Reuben had been a student at Peel High School, but as he’s just signed on to undertake a certificate IV in hospitality traineeship, he had to finish school earlier than expected.
“I just wanted to be out earning my own money,” Reuben said.
“Because I didn’t start my traineeship in years 9 or 10, I can’t be at school after age 15 and do a traineeship, so the choice was simple.”
He’s not planning to stop at simply designing skateboards either, and aims to introduce a line of clothing to the Haloumi Skateboards range.
You’ll find Reuben on Facebook and Instagram @haloumiskateco
Look out, world.
Here comes Reuben Boatwright and Haloumi Skateboards.