How wee Scots sayings that my gran had helped me create Glasgow business Gie It Laldy

The award, sponsored by this paper, is part of the Glasgow Business Awards organised by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce with Royal Bank of Scotland as the main sponsor.

If you’re looking for a way to instantly brighten your day, then a quick scroll through Gie It Laldy’s online shop will have you smiling in no time.

The independent business specialises in all manner of quirky gifts from mugs to raincoats decorated with slogans that perfectly capture the city's signature banter and local dialects.

Founder of Gie It Laldy, Lisa Donati, says that the concept for the brand came from the simple joy she felt from speaking with her Grandmother who she described as ‘The mistress of Glesga Patter.’

Lisa said: “Initially I was looking for a line of work that was a little more flexible so that I could work around looking after my children.

“I started thinking of all these classic wee Scots sayings that my gran had and I figured that if they brought a smile to my family, they might bring one to others too. It turns out it did!

“We started off selling our products online and to wholesale businesses across Scotland but over time our ongoing dialogue with customers has created a much bigger range.”

Having studied at the Glasgow School of Art, Lisa is a master of all trades when it comes to running the business which operates online as well as from their shop in the West End.

Lisa said: “I don’t think many people are aware that we produce all our main lines of products in house.  

“We make mugs, coasters, cards and embroidery as well as supplying wholesale all over Scotland.

“We’ve got a really vast collection online and for us, it’s really important to have next day delivery in the current climate.

“I dip in and out of every aspect of the business as and when I’m needed. What is it they call it, a chief cook and bottlewasher?”

Living in Glasgow and being immersed in the local community is what inspires Lisa and her team to keep coming up with new product lines that will resonate with customers.

She said: “There’s definitely that shared sense of humour in adversity that Glaswegians have which is a real testament to their wit.

“It’s very unique compared to other places I think because of how raw but endearing it is.

“It’s like you’re giving an insult but it’s done with a real warmth. I think that’s the difference.

“Often people have asked why we don’t take the business further afield, but then we wouldn’t have that sense of authenticity because you would have to be relying on a third source.

“I think that’s why it works so well in Glasgow and Scotland rather than elsewhere.”

Tapping into this unique brand of humour so successfully means that Gie It Laldy have built up a solid customer base who are more than happy to share their own observations on Glasgow life.

Lisa said: “We always think of the business as a two-way street, we’re listening to and observing people which makes it almost like a continuous circle.

“I think when someone sees a funny phrase that they connect with it inspires them to share their stories.

“All these tales about the Finnieston Cran’ or when they first started bringing out TVs in Glasgow that you just couldn’t make up.

"It's silly little things like an old man might be passing you on the street and say ‘I love looking in that window because it brings up such good memories. That’s what makes it feel really worthwhile.

“It is a business but it's also a way for me to earn a living and get to have experiences like that.

“What more could you hope for?”

The Glasgow Business Awards are hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton on the October 7 2021, with voting for Glasgow’s Favourite Business opening on Monday 23rd August 2021.