Shaping The North East

What happens when you move from London to Aberdeen, discover something you feel is missing, and decide to create it yourself?
In this episode of Shaping the North East, we sit down with Miss Monstera to explore her journey from London to Aberdeen and the events she's created since moving to the city. Her LGBTQ+ and kink events are about more than simply having a night out. Miss Monstera believes Aberdeen needs spaces where people can step away from the pressures of everyday life, forget about work, bills and expectations, and simply be themselves in an environment where they feel safe, welcome and free to express who they are.
We talk about why she felt those spaces were needed, how she went about creating them, and what she's learned about building a community around something that doesn't necessarily fit the traditional idea of Aberdeen nightlife. We also get into the much more personal side of her story, including meeting her wife, a whirlwind romance that spans continents, and the challenges of trying to build a life together while navigating the realities of UK visas and long-distance relationships.
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter, from the businesses being built here to the creative people, communities and ideas helping shape what comes next.
Find Miss Monstera
https://www.instagram.com/lady_of_gore/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipse_scotland/
https://www.instagram.com/gore_aberdeen/
Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter.
Follow SZN Media:
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What happens when a passion for retro toys, video games and collecting becomes something much bigger than a business?
In this episode of Shaping the North East (sponsored by Utopia Body Arts in Aberdeen), Chris sits down with Chris and Edina, the founders of "Vintage Toys & Collectables" and "Video Games Aberdeen", to talk about their journey from being out of work during the pandemic to creating two businesses that have become part of Aberdeen's growing retro, gaming and collecting community.
We talk about where the idea came from, the challenges of starting a business during such an uncertain period, and how their passion for everything from vintage wrestling figures and 80s cartoon memorabilia to Pokémon and video games helped them build something that people in Aberdeen have genuinely rallied behind. But this conversation is about more than collecting.
We also explore the importance of community, trust and shared interests, and how creating a welcoming space for people with similar passions has become such an important part of what they do. It's a story about entrepreneurship, taking an opportunity when circumstances change, and turning a personal passion into something that connects people across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.
🔗 Find out more about Chris, Edina and their businesses:
Vintage Toys & Collectables:
https://www.facebook.com/vintagetoyandcollectablesaberdeen/
https://www.instagram.com/vintagetoysandcollectablesabz/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCB8ij0xAU21pwfPcJlD9p4w
https://www.tiktok.com/@retroconsolestoys
Video Games Aberdeen:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Video-Games-Aberdeen-61583396473338/
https://www.instagram.com/videogamesaberdeen/
🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Shaping the North East:
https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Check out our Sponsor:
https://www.utopiabodyarts.com
https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/
https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter, from entrepreneurs and creatives to community builders, businesses and organisations making a difference across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. If you're enjoying the series, subscribe, follow and share the episode to help us continue showcasing the people and stories shaping our region.
#ShapingTheNorthEast #Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #VintageToys #Collectables #RetroGaming #VideoGamesAberdeen #AberdeenBusiness

What happens when the life you thought you wanted turns out not to be the life that makes you happy?
In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris is joined by Shannon Andrew, an Aberdeen singer and vocalist whose journey has taken her from a decade of corporate 9–5 life to performing across the North East of Scotland. Shannon talks openly about growing up in Aberdeen, following the traditional idea that success meant getting an office job, buying a house and settling into a conventional career, only to realise that it wasn't the right path for her.
We explore her decision to leave corporate life behind, her journey of self-discovery and healing, and how a move to Portugal helped her rediscover her love of singing. Since returning to Aberdeen, Shannon has established herself as a performer across venues, events, weddings and celebrations throughout the North East, and has recently been nominated for Breakthrough Artist Of The Year at the Granite City Entertainment Awards. We also talk about finding your own path, the importance of doing something that makes you happy, and what Shannon hopes comes next as she continues to develop her career as a singer and performer in Aberdeen.
Cast your votes in the Granite City Entertainment Awards:
https://gcea.co.uk
Find out more about Shannon Andrew:
https://shannonandrewmusic.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/shannonandrewmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076836804993&locale=en_GB#
Find Shaping the North East:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk
Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region’s next chapter. From entrepreneurs and creatives to businesses, community projects and the people working to make a difference, each episode tells the stories behind the people and ideas shaping the North East of Scotland.

What does it mean to build a business around the way you actually want to work? In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris is joined by Maya Vertigans, founder of Planner Bee V.A Services, an Aberdeen-based virtual assistant business built around a remote-first approach to work.
Maya shares the story behind starting Planner Bee, her ambition to become an entrepreneur and the process of creating a business from the ground up. We talk about what it takes to move away from the traditional 9–5 working environment and create something that better reflects your own values, personality and ambitions.
We also explore Maya’s passion for ethical and sustainable business practices, why Planner Bee has deliberately chosen to operate remotely rather than from a physical office, and the advantages (and challenges) that come with running a modern virtual assistant business.
Our conversation also takes a more personal turn as Maya talks about her own journey of self-discovery. From attending university in a big city to realising that she may be more introverted than she once thought, we discuss how understanding yourself can influence the way you work, the businesses you create and the life you want to build around them.
And, of course, we look ahead. Maya talks about the future of Planner Bee V.A Services, her ambitions for growing the business and what comes next as she continues to shape her own path as an entrepreneur in Aberdeen.
Find out more about Planner Bee V.A Services:
https://plannerbeeva.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/plannerbeeva
https://www.facebook.com/plannerbeeva
https://www.linkedin.com/company/planner-bee-va/
Connect with Maya:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-vertigans/
Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region’s next chapter. From entrepreneurs and creatives to businesses, community projects and the people working to make a difference, each episode tells the stories behind the people and ideas shaping the North East of Scotland.

Kate Kenyon joins Shaping the North East to discuss the story behind SOBR, Aberdeen's first completely alcohol-free bar, and what it takes to build a business around a very different approach to the traditional bar experience.
In this episode, we explore how the idea for SOBR came about, the challenges of launching a new concept in Aberdeen, and the reaction the business received when people questioned whether an alcohol-free bar could really work. Kate also shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up, the importance of creating a welcoming space for people, and her commitment to supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. We also discuss SOBR's growing success, recent award nominations, their first festival appearance, and Kate's ambitions to take the concept beyond Aberdeen.
Could SOBR become a model for a new generation of alcohol-free venues across Scotland?
🌐 Follow SOBR:
https://www.sobrbar.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sobr_bar/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582519197435
https://www.tiktok.com/@sobrbaraberdeen
🌐 Follow Shaping the North East:
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https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
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www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #AlcoholFree #SOBR #AberdeenBusiness #ScottishBusiness #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #AlcoholFreeBar #Scotland

Gia Watson joins Shaping the North East to discuss her journey from leaving the traditional 9–5 behind to building a career on her own terms in Aberdeen.
A self-employed barber and occasional content creator, Gia has taken a very different path to the one she originally imagined. In this episode, we explore how she got started in barbering, the realities of becoming self-employed, her experience of offering non-gendered haircuts, and why the freedom of working for herself has opened up new possibilities for the future.
We also talk about Gia's journey through bodybuilding and fitness, why her relationship with fitness is changing, and her decision to focus more on health and happiness rather than simply chasing physical goals. From wanting to travel and see more of the world to growing her presence on social media and figuring out what her next chapter looks like, this is a conversation about career changes, independence and finding your own direction.
Follow Gia Watson:
https://www.instagram.com/thethirdchair_gia/
💈Book an appointment with Gia:
https://www.fresha.com/a/gia-aberdeen-398-george-street-zhfei7wh/booking
Follow Shaping the North East:
https://sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #AberdeenBusiness #SelfEmployment #FemaleEntrepreneur #Barber #AberdeenBarber #Fitness #Bodybuilding #Podcast

Brutha Voodoo (also known as Aron Smith) joins the Shaping The North East podcast this week to talk about poetry, community radio, local events and the people helping shape Aberdeen’s creative scene.
In this episode, we explore Aron’s journey with poetry, his involvement in poetry events across the North East of Scotland, his passion for community radio, and the importance of creating stronger connections between local venues, performers, event organisers and audiences in Aberdeen. We also get into Aron's love of all things geeky, including his radio show The Geek Grotto, as well as the challenges facing Aberdeen’s creative community and why better promotion and sharing of local events could make it easier for people to discover what is happening across the city.
If you're interested in Aberdeen's creative scene, Scottish poetry, community radio, local events, independent artists or the people working to build a stronger cultural community in the North East of Scotland, this conversation offers an insight into the people and ideas helping to shape the region.
🎙️ Follow Brutha Voodoo:
https://www.instagram.com/bruthavoodoo/
https://www.facebook.com/playlistobscura
https://www.facebook.com/TheGeekGrotto
https://www.mixcloud.com/bruthavoodoo/
📖 Grab your copies of "An Infernal Contract" and "How I Got Here":
https://www.lulu.com/shop/aron-smith/an-infernal-contract/paperback/product-nvgzgng.html?page=1&pageSize=4
https://www.lulu.com/shop/aron-smith/how-i-got-here/paperback/product-e7drdew.html?page=1&pageSize=4
🌐 Follow Shaping the North East:
https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #AberdeenCreative #AberdeenPoetry #ScottishPoetry #CommunityRadio #AberdeenEvents #CreativeScotland #Podcast #ShapingTheNorthEast

Aberdeen-born twin sisters The Elidas join Shaping the North East to share their journey from the North East of Scotland to Dubai, where they have built a career performing original music together.
In this episode, Belle and Venice discuss how they first discovered their passion for music, what it's really like touring and performing from such a young age, balancing life between Aberdeen and Dubai, and the role their family has played in supporting their creative ambitions. We also explore the realities of writing original music, growing up together as twins, and what the future holds for one of the most exciting emerging acts from the North East of Scotland.
If you're passionate about music, the creative industries, inspiring personal journeys, or supporting emerging talent from the North East of Scotland, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into two young artists building an international career while staying connected to their roots.
Grab your copy of their new album here: https://theelidasband.bandcamp.com/merch/elidas-cd-limited-edition
🎵 Follow The Elidas:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_elidas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelidas
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1FO4T0KVT2lrY4d0HByJxs?si=lCO6M9bjSfGKnMhdlTdhOw]
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-elidas/1692033905
Website: https://theelidas.com
🌐 Follow Shaping the North East:
https://sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #TheElidas #Dubai #ScottishMusic #MusicPodcast #CreativeScotland #EmergingArtists #TwinSisters #Podcast

Romans Svjatkins joins Shaping the North East to discuss his journey from university student to founder of Marketing Career Ladder, a new platform connecting students, graduates, employers and universities with career opportunities in marketing.
In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a platform from scratch in Aberdeen, the persistence behind contacting more than 100 businesses and over 1,000 students, the challenges of launching a startup, and why creating better pathways into marketing careers can benefit both employers and aspiring professionals across the North East of Scotland.
Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, marketing, career development, or supporting local businesses from the North East of Scotland, this conversation offers an honest look at the determination required to turn an idea into reality.
In this episode we discuss:
• Building Marketing Career Ladder from the ground up
• Starting a business in Aberdeen
• Creating opportunities for marketing students and graduates
• Supporting career changers entering marketing
🌐 Learn more about Marketing Career Ladder:
https://marketingcareerladder.com
https://www.instagram.com/marketing_career_ladder/
https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingCareerLadder
https://www.tiktok.com/@marketing_career_ladder
💼 Connect with Romans:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans-svjatkins/
🌐 Follow Shaping the North East:
https://sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #Marketing #MarketingCareers #Entrepreneurship #Startup #CareerDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #MarketingCareerLadder #Podcast

Jazz Mackintosh joins Shaping the North East to discuss her journey from studying music with friends at college to launching one of Aberdeen's newest indie bands, Elysian.
In this episode, we explore what it's like starting a band from scratch in the North East of Scotland, building confidence as a performer, writing original music, finding opportunities to play live, and why sometimes the best advice is simply to just get started.
If you're passionate about live music, the creative industries, or supporting emerging talent from the North East of Scotland, this conversation offers an honest look at the realities of pursuing music with the people you trust most.
In this episode we discuss:
• How Elysian was formed through college friendships
• Building a new indie band in Aberdeen
• Writing and performing original music
• The challenges facing emerging musicians
• Why supporting local music matters
🎵 Follow Elysian:
https://www.instagram.com/elysian.bandd/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oTTvH5imFJNO9hishrVrH?si=Yyg1UCqdQ0S0ESuBTValPw
🌐 Follow Shaping the North East:
https://sznmedialtd.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510
https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/
Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland.
#Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #IndieMusic #ScottishMusic #AberdeenMusic #Podcast #MusicPodcast #CreativeScotland #SupportLocalMusic