#BirminghamMeansBusiness: Charlie Rodman, founder of joyfully creative gift-giving service Nerdy Banana

A mini-me plush, socks with your loved ones all over them, or even a tiny customisable shirt for your dog - Snugsy, Super Socks and Dogsy have got your back. Nerdy Banana, home of 11 wacky and wonderful brands, was founded by young Birmingham entrepreneur, Charlie Rodman.

Founded in 2018, the youthful brand has already made a name for itself in the gift-giving industry, with over 200,000 online orders, an international office in LA and international shipping to over 40 countries.

In 2012, 19-year-old Rodman had taken a gap year after college to set up a personalised clothing business, now known as Doodletogs. Later going to Leeds University for three months, Rodman’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit overtook the confines of higher education, and he soon dropped out to pursue his business full time. After two years of hard work, Rodman hired his first employee and outgrew the spare bedroom at his parents’ house.

Not long after, the business gained traction and began to work with the likes of Google and Discovery Channel for merchandising opportunities and e-commerce solutions. While most business-owners devote their time and craft to one venture, Rodman continued to expand into petwear, socks, wrapping paper and in 2018, created Nerdy Banana to encompass all of his current and perhaps future brands.

Winning the Young British Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 award whilst running his business vlog channel, Rodman is a testament to the strengths that come with creativity and never taking yourself too seriously. Although still firmly rooted in Birmingham, Nerdy Banana looks to roll out localised web shops in both Germany and Australia.

Nerdy Banana has brought fun back into the Birmingham business scene. Capitalising on opportunities like interactive Super Socks stands at Selfridges, to Nerdy Banana, joy is just as transactional as money.

“Our young passionate team are looking to the future with confidence.”

Charlie Rodman 2019, Midlands What’s On

Rodman and his team of 28 have also worked on purpose-led campaigns via their Teefunder fundraising platform that aims to help charities raise money via the sale of custom merchandise. One of their larger campaigns involved partnering with Dogs Trust to donate 15% of net sales price of any personalised dog merch to caring for dogs at the UK’s largest dog welfare charity.

“As an expanding West Midlands-based business we are really pleased to have been able to offer exciting roles in the digital and e-commerce space, as well as apprenticeships and opportunities for both graphic designers and talented fashion graduates who are able to use their cutting and sewing skills across our different brands.”

Charlie Rodman 2019, Midlands What’s On

Moving forward, Rodman continues to champion national and local Birmingham creative talent, recognising that without the local creative community, Nerdy Banana wouldn’t be where it is today.

This story is part of the x+why's #BirminghamMeansBusiness series, sharing the stories of some of Birmingham's wonderful entrepreneurs as we celebrate being part of the vibrant Birmingham business community.