What’s your story Jason Smith?

The real stories behind local creatives

This year we’re launching a new series of posts, profiling members of Bristol and Bath’s creative community, asking them to open up about their journey, their inspirations and how they got to where they are today. Where better to begin than with our co-founder Jason Smith, whose own journey reflects the resilience and flair at the heart of Gather Round.

Let’s jump right in, what was school like for you?

I sort of enjoyed it, sort of hated it. I had a great bunch of friends, but it was more of a struggle academically. I couldn’t read or write until I was older because of severe dyslexia, and I had a bad stutter that led to tics and Tourette’s. Some teachers tried to ‘help’ by forcing me to do the things I struggled with, which made things worse. 

But brilliant teachers in Fine Art made me feel at home. Album covers and pop-punk pulled me into the creative space even more. Every year, all I wanted was to be acknowledged as the best artist in the class. I’ve always been a do-er and a builder.

Then what? How did your career begin?

I’d done freelance work from 15 and studied at UWE, which gave me confidence, helped me build relationships, and gave me a love of Bristol! After uni I applied for lousy design jobs and (thankfully) didn’t get them. I worked various roles, including running a free nightlife magazine. That’s where my love of layout grew and where I met Ben. That was during the ’06–’08 recession. I hustled and built connections.

Ben and I talked about launching a studio. We didn’t know business, but we were confident. We rented a spot in the Arnolfini incubator without a client or any money, but there was buzz. The seeds of Fiasco were sown. Our first big break was character design for a Channel 4 project, which went on to win a BAFTA. Pitching for exciting work and meeting other agencies validated us. After about 18 months, we quit our supportive jobs – a make-or-break leap. We moved to a different studio space but it felt too clinical; what we really wanted was somewhere that felt like an extension of our personalities.

How did you balance scaling Fiasco and starting Gather Round?

Intense but exciting. We found a ‘diamond in the rough’ office space on Gumtree and refitted it – flooring, lighting, benches etc. I helped a friend with his ‘Aladdin’s cave’ too, which energised me. Both projects respected the buildings and brought the best out of them.

There were eight or nine of us at Fiasco by this point. The space made us happy, but we couldn’t grow. When Cigar Factory came up, we had a vision of linked agencies and a shared creative space. The team were stoked. WeWork was happening, but it felt stale. We found private investment from Ian Hargrave – a brilliant guy who’s still a Director. Twenty-three people pitched for Cigar Factory. For us, it was about finding a forever home for Fiasco. What we got was the foundation of Gather Round. 

What have been the toughest challenges along the way?

Oh plenty. I remember designing lighting schemes for Cigar Factory in the hospital with my newborn literally on me. No paternity leave. No proper budgets. Everything was hands-on. Gather Round launched in Autumn 2019 and then Covid hit. We closed early because we felt responsible for the community, stayed shut for four months, and gave members free rent. When we reopened, we had a 95% retention rate.

Cigar Factory has remained nearly full. Eventually, we were offered Brunswick Square because people believed in what we were creating. There have been burst pipes, crazy deadlines, and endless repairs – part and parcel of working with older/listed buildings. Those same quirks give the spaces character. Our team now is incredible and keeps everything moving. We also started small community things, like a run club, that reminded us why human connection matters.

Have you ever felt like giving up?

To be honest, no. I’ve been through so many situations where things were tough and the only option was to work through it. Dyslexia affects so much, but it’s never made me want to give up. There was a time my wife and I had to live with her parents because we had no money. Stuff like that sticks with you. Sometimes I wonder how long we can keep the pace, but meeting other business owners who’ve achieved so much is grounding. It keeps me motivated. There’s still so much to do.

What has kept you going?

Being surrounded by creatives. That sense of community was always huge for Fiasco. It’s carried over into Gather Round in a big way. Our team and members are amazing. After Covid we needed to reset; now I’m excited about bringing people together and supporting them. Oh, and physical fitness does wonders for the mind. 

What advice would you give to anyone else looking to set up their own business today?

Purpose matters. You’ve got a better chance if you’re creating something you care about and are good at. You need self-belief. At Gather Round, we help people hone it and own it. And be receptive – you can’t do anything in a vacuum.

So there you have it. A glimpse into one of the minds behind Gather Round. 

Created by creatives, for creatives, our co-working spaces offer so much more than a desk. Our communities are fuelled by collaboration, energy and shared experience. Our ‘What’s your story?’ campaign is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on that.

If you’re a creative looking for a community to be part of, we’re now offering 30% off for 3 x months for anyone who joins before 28th Feb, more info on the offer our blog.

If you’re interested in our coworking spaces, get in touch to book a tour, we’d love to show you around.