Ready? Aim….Fun!
Nicole Lander is the founder of Laser Tag in a Box, the largest laser tag rental business in Australia.
Nicole wanted to get kids and adults off their screens and into the outdoors creating lasting memories and Laser Tag in a Box does just that.
She founded her business in 1999 and has provided supplies to thousands of people and businesses within Australia and overseas, including Movie World on the Gold Coast, vacation centres, holiday resorts, community groups and many more.
We caught up with Nicole to find out more about Laser Tag in a Box and her journey to being a #FemaleFounder.
What inspired you to start your business?
As a storyteller, entrepreneur and Mum of two big kids, I started Laser Tag in a Box with a few thousand dollars and an idea – to take a video game and experience it live. Kids nowadays spend so much time on screens, but with laser tag games they can get outdoors and play while experiencing the thrill of live-action gaming.
What milestones have you reached?
Laser Tag in a Box opened in 1999. Since then, we’ve booked more than 25,000 events, exported to more than 55 countries, have patented our technology in Australia, America and the United Kingdom and Europe, and have had millions of people play our brand of laser tag.
While many of our rentals are to people in the city, we also service people in rural and regional areas, especially during school holidays. Our team has also worked with many at-risk youth groups.
What business achievements are you most proud of to date?
I’m proud to have won a Telstra Business Women’s Awards (Innovation). I’m also proud of inventing and commercialising outdoor laser tag. When you think of ‘laser tag’ you might think ‘pew-pew’ in a dark foggy maze. Our innovation means you can play laser tag in daylight.
But I am most proud of running a family business that helps people create happy memories. At Laser Tag in a Box everything we do flows from our belief in creating a ‘stage’ where people can experience exhilarating and memorable times. We believe in creating one of the best experiences of a gamers' life by tapping into the thrill of video games. We also believe kids who have happy memories in childhood grow up to be happier adults.
What’s your advice for other female entrepreneurs and businesses starting out on their entrepreneurship journey?
When you are working to clearly defined goals, and when you believe you are making a difference and are doing all the things you’re capable of doing, then you can do astounding things. Believe in yourself and in your product, and you'll be surprised and delighted with what you can achieve.
