Katja Gottschalk is the founder of PC Harmony, a tech company that provides IT support, web design, and hosting services with a strong focus on accessibility, patience, and customer empowerment. A woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she built her business from the ground up while raising two young children as a single parent. With a background in sales and training, she has a talent for breaking down complex tech concepts into easy-to-understand solutions. Her mission is to make technology more approachable for individuals, businesses, and communities—especially those often overlooked in the tech industry, such as elderly clients, people with disabilities, and small business owners. She won the UK Enterprise Award in 2024 for the “Best Computer Repair Business 2024”.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I didn’t start my career in tech, but as an apprentice as an administrative clerk at the local electricity company in Germany as I had no idea at 16 what I wanted to do for a living – all I knew was that I was an organized person so well suited for working in an office environment. A few years later, I relocated to the UK and took a sales role where the company used a computer system in German. Since I am a native German speaker, they sent me to Germany to get a full grasp of it and then to return to teach my colleagues in the UK. This was a turning point because I realized that people appreciated my teaching style—patient, clear, and jargon-free with a little bit of humour. I had a knack for making complex systems easier to understand for non-techies. But that wasn’t always the case for me.

In fact, when I was 16, I had a phobia of computers. As an apprentice, I would literally break down into tears every time I had to use one. The concept of technology was overwhelming, and I didn’t understand it at all. I remember how it felt when the IT department decided to dismantle a computer and show me how it worked, piece by piece. The understanding clicked—suddenly, technology wasn’t this alien thing; it was something I could control. It was then that I realized how important it is to break down technical barriers for others.

Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged to be interested in computers. I was often told, "Girls don’t touch computers!" by family members, and there were only a couple of computers in school – mainly reserved for students already proficient at using them. As a result, I spent years not even considering a career in tech. But when I saw how much the world was changing with the rise of personal computers, I knew that I had to overcome those early barriers.

My background in sales and customer training allowed me to develop skills that later became invaluable. After realizing how many people struggled with the tech they used in their daily lives, I decided I could combine my passion for helping others with my growing knowledge of IT, and that’s how PC Harmony was born.

What inspired you to start your business?

The inspiration behind PC Harmony came from a personal crossroads in my life. I was a single mother with a newborn and a toddler, facing an overwhelming situation with zero support from their father. The turning point came when my three-year-old caught chickenpox, and I couldn’t find any childcare and under a lot of pressure to still turn up to work. Suddenly, the reality hit me: I had to create a solution for myself and my family.

It was a big wake-up call. I realized that sending my children to daycare just to work a job I didn’t love wasn’t going to work for me. I hated the idea of my kids being in daycare all day, while I was stuck in a job that didn’t offer flexibility, fulfilment, or a future. At that moment, I knew that I needed to take control of my destiny, and I wanted to be the kind of person who could help others without the pressure or arrogance that sometimes comes with the IT world.

The tech world, at the time, was filled with professionals who spoke in jargon and made people feel unintelligent if they didn’t know how to troubleshoot their computers. It was cold, distant, and in my opinion, inaccessible. I wanted to build a business where tech support was approachable, friendly, and supportive of all people, whether they were tech-savvy or not. My goal was simple: to offer a space where people could ask questions, get answers, and feel empowered by technology, not intimidated by it.

Where is your business based?

PC Harmony is proudly based in Harrogate, UK. Although the business has grown locally, thanks to the internet and remote communication tools, my reach extends far beyond. I work with clients in Germany, Spain, and even Panama. My services—ranging from tech support to web design and hosting—are accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Remote support has proven to be an incredible resource for me, allowing me to break geographical boundaries. As long as I have a computer and internet connection, I can connect with clients, provide solutions, and offer the services they need. What’s more, it’s been incredibly rewarding to work with international clients who appreciate my work and see the value I bring. Being based in Harrogate doesn’t limit me, and I’ve embraced the global opportunities that the digital space offers.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

PC Harmony began as a small side venture. At the time, I was juggling motherhood with work commitments and I decided to take a couple of months off to sit my ComTIA exams (skills for IT jobs) and then started on a journey to do a Bachelor of Science Degree with the Open University in my spare time. and I started offering basic IT support to local businesses. Initially, I focused on fixing computer issues, setting up devices, providing virus protection, and offering training to individuals and small businesses who were new to technology. I found a niche with people who didn’t want to feel judged or overwhelmed when facing a tech problem. Word spread quickly, and that’s when things started to snowball.

I didn’t jump into web design right away. I started small, building my reputation one happy client at a time. Soon enough, I was helping clients with website development, setting up email services, and offering hosting solutions. The shift from tech support to web design felt like a natural progression because I realized that people wanted more than just someone to fix their computers—they needed a partner to help them build their digital presence which led me to add Social Media support to the offering as well.

Building a business from scratch was tough. I spent countless hours researching and learning about SEO, website design, and the technical side of hosting. Networking was crucial. I joined local groups, especially those aimed at women in business, because I knew it would provide me with the support and mentorship I needed. I also worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and transparency. I didn’t make false promises. If a website needed work, I was upfront about it. If a customer didn’t need something, I told them.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Raising awareness for PC Harmony has always been about building genuine relationships. In the beginning, word-of-mouth was everything. It was through recommendations and referrals that my business grew. When people had a positive experience, they told their friends and colleagues, which helped me build a loyal customer base.

In addition, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has played a huge role. I spent countless hours learning about SEO and applied it to my own website. The goal was simple: I wanted to help local businesses get noticed by search engines, so they could rank higher on Google. Once I got the hang of SEO, I started implementing it for my clients, helping them achieve impressive results—sometimes getting them on the first page of Google within just a few months. This is something I’m incredibly proud of, as it’s made a direct impact on my clients' businesses and brought in new clients for me as well.

Another key method that has been effective is networking. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I found support and encouragement in women’s business groups. There’s a camaraderie and understanding in these spaces, and I’ve been able to build relationships with other women who run businesses in a variety of fields. Many of my clients have come from these groups, and they often value the fact that I offer a friendly, approachable experience in an industry that can sometimes feel intimidating.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

There have been a few challenges that really stand out. The first is that people often assume I’m a man when I tell them I work in tech. I’ve had countless emails addressed to "Mr. Gottschalk." Once, at a mixed networking event, I was told by a business man that it must be very hard for  a woman to learn how to fix computers. It’s frustrating, but also funny and rather than taking it personally, I’ve used it as an opportunity to educate people and show them that women can succeed in tech. I always strive to be a visible role model for other women who are considering careers in technology.

The second challenge has been the constant juggling act. As a solo entrepreneur and a single parent, I often find myself working late into the night or sacrificing weekends to get everything done. I wear every hat—IT support, web design, marketing, customer service, accounting, you name it. However, I’ve learned to delegate tasks where possible, automate certain processes (like invoicing), and lean on my support network of fellow business owners to help keep things balanced.

I’ve also learned to be resilient. Running a business isn’t easy, and there are always bumps along the way. However, each challenge has given me the opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s been important to embrace failure as part of the journey.

How do you stay focused?

Staying focused is easier when you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. For me, the motivation comes from knowing that what I do really matters. Whether I’m helping an elderly client feel more confident using technology or designing a website for a small business that will help them grow, I know that I’m making a real difference in people’s lives.

I also rely on practical tools to stay focused. Time-blocking is essential. I break my workday into chunks, so I can stay focused on specific tasks and avoid getting overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. I also make sure to take breaks—whether it’s a walk, a coffee, or a few minutes of deep breathing.

Lastly, I focus on self-care. Running a business can be stressful, but I’ve learned that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to help anyone else.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

At PC Harmony, there are three keyways we stand out:

1. Our approach: I am a woman-led company that prides itself on providing a friendly, patient, and jargon-free experience. I know how overwhelming tech can feel, so I make sure my clients are never made to feel less than for not knowing how something works.

2. Comprehensive services: I don’t just offer tech support— I also provide web design, hosting, and email solutions. My clients don’t have to deal with multiple companies for their tech needs.

3. Community-driven values: I’m committed to giving back. I offer free hosting for the first year for new websites, and I am bilingual in German and English. I am passionate about helping people with disabilities, and we’re currently working on expanding our services to Spanish-speaking clients as well.

These are the things that help me stay ahead of the competition. My clients trust us because they know I’ll always go the extra mile to make sure they feel heard and understood.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

SEO has been huge—getting local businesses onto page one of Google within months is something I take pride in. Networking, especially in women’s business groups, has also been incredibly valuable. Most of my clients come from referrals because they appreciate my honest, no-pressure approach.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don't wait for the "perfect moment"—just start. Learn as you go, adapt, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Also, find a community. Being an entrepreneur can be isolating, so having a network of supportive people makes all the difference.

How do you balance work and life?

It’s a work in progress! As a single parent, I’ve had to be strict about setting boundaries. I plan my work around my kids’ needs and make sure I switch off in the evenings when possible.

What’s your favourite way to decompress?

Going for a walk with the dogs, a short run, reading a good book, or just having a quiet coffee—no screens, no emails, just time to breathe.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I want to grow the business and continue giving back to the community. Expanding bilingual support, working on more community projects, and possibly hiring someone to help manage the workload are all on the horizon.

How can our readers connect with you?

• Website: www.pcharmony.co.uk

• Email: katja@pcharmony.co.uk

• Social Media:

• Instagram: @pcharmonyharrogate

• Facebook: PC Harmony