Think of it as a place where modern-day geeks collide with a retro kind of stylishness.

That’s what you get at A Nerd’s World, a fun and funky storefront-looking office on Bathurst Street that doesn’t sell products per se, but plenty of creative business services that range from website and logo design to branding, SEO strategies, copywriting and even photography.

“We’re very passionate about our business,” says owner Grace Hughes. “We’re nerdy in a way of wanting to create a brand not just for ourselves but for everyone else. We try to make sure everything comes together, not just in a cookie cutter fashion but in a way that is very unique.”

While A Nerd’s World has existed since 2006, Chris and Grace Hughes, the married owners of the business, decided to house their offices in a storefront space so they selected the Bathurst location two years ago. The two-level shop provides office space for about ten web designers, some of whom work full-time and some on an as-needed basis.

Don’t let all the retro cameras fool you, though. The owners happily enjoy showing off their impressive 300-plus camera collection that includes a World War One stereoscopic camera that has received a fair share of international press. Because of the number of cameras, the models, some of which are a hundred years old, are rotated for display in the office. The store’s walls also boast a photo gallery of the community it serves.

While it’s obvious that art and business are near and dear to the owners’ hearts, a lesser known facet of A Nerd’s World is its philanthropy. Chris, 36, travels once a month to Cuba, donating medical supplies, clothing, school supplies and toiletries to the poor. Wife Grace, 27, tends to the office and their three children during Chris’ humanitarian visits.

Chris initially visited the country on a photography trip and that’s when he discovered the profound poverty among some of its citizens. Heartbroken by the depth of despair he witnessed, Chris phoned Grace back home in Canada and asked her to wire him $5,000. With that, Chris’ mission to heal, feed and care for those in need began in earnest.

“He considers everybody there his family,” says wife Grace. “He wants to help the people there and that’s why he brings humanitarian donations.”

Thanks to social media, word on Chris’ efforts has spread and donations to his cause come in from all corners of the world. But the couple is always looking for assistance. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off at 986 Bathurst St.