Renaldo Bothma Launches Funky Socks Company

For Renaldo Bothma breaking his arm on three separate occasions left the hard-running Harlequins and Namibia forward a shattered man in more ways than one. However, despite his extended recovery, the 29-year-old used his time effectively to launch his online business, botthms.

My Business

I launched botthms in 2018. We offer a unique range of funky socks, silicon rings, men’s underwear, headwear and Apple Watch bands. I started the business on a very small scale, building a website from scratch, and then promoting my products through digital marketing. My aim is to grow a business model that will be fun, funky and appealing. It’s been a great challenge so far, I have enjoyed scoping the UK market, exploring new business skills and harnessing the power of digital media to advertise my products. I also completed a Google course to better understand how best to position my products online and drive customers to my site.

Save The Rhino

I recently partnered with Save The Rhino International and a Namibian beer business called Windhoek Breweries to raise funds for rhino conservation. I am extremely passionate about saving rhinos in Africa, and through this unique business partnership we have launched an exclusive pair of socks to raise vital funds for the cause. 50% of the profits from the sale of each pair of socks, which feature the beer and rhino design, will be donated to Save The Rhino in an effort to raise £3,000. As you can imagine I am very excited by this pair of socks, it’s our first product that is uniquely designed for the business and have been developed for a very important cause.

Unique & Different

My products are not for everyone, but I have been overwhelmed by the response so far. I think life is too short to be dull and boring, only having one focus, and that’s what my business is about, sharing nice, colourful products and making life a bit more indulgent. It’s been great to see the response to the silicon rings by my Harlequins teammates. The married players have loved them. They have been my best-selling product so far and hopefully by doing this interview, more players across the country will have the opportunity to browse the rings available.

An Important Distraction

It’s been a huge blessing to have the opportunity to grow this business while recovering from three dreadful broken arms. It gave me time to reflect on my future and focus on something new. Having such a frustrating set of injuries it reveals how quickly your rugby career can be ripped from under your feet, potentially leaving you in a very dark hole. Setting up my business in the background has been a great distraction but more importantly it has given me the reassurance if something was to happen again and I had to call it a day, I would have something to fall back on.

Player Support

Having the support of my fellow players in England is hugely important to how far I can take the business. Obviously, I would love as many players as possible to buy the special edition socks so we can donate the profits to such an important cause. Also, if players are about to get married and would like to purchase a silicon ring please feel free to drop me an email on info@botthms.com or call me on 07555 410 390. I am a big believer in supporting each other in the rugby world, especially when players are being proactive and thinking about their futures. Ultimately, we all know our rugby careers are only valid for a short time, so I feel it’s very important to lend a hand to each other and celebrate positivity off the pitch.

How To Buy?

You can purchase my products through my website: www.botthms.com or to order please contact me on info@botthms.com or 07555 410 390.