Arty Farty Club is unique business that has been based within the Crosshill Community Business Centre for the past three years and the owner, Michelle, has a fascinating story.
Michelle began her career as a hairdresser, successfully owned and managed her own salon for several years. However, when covid struck in 2020, she was unable to continue working in this profession due to lockdown. Michelle then took a temporary job at a local care home and due to her love of crafting at home she was asked to arrange some activities for the residents. Michelle discovered that not only did she excel in this role, but she also gained a deeper understanding that social engagement and purposeful activities play in supporting mental health and quality of life.
Inspired by this experience, Michelle originally planned to create a space focused on women's wellbeing and health. However, as the business grew and evolved, she listened closely to the needs and interests of the local community. Today, Arty Farty Club offers a wide range of art classes for both adults and children, providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, express their creativity and connect with others.
Michelle also delivers baby sensory sessions and seated exercise classes at various locations across Benarty, further expanding the club's reach within the community.
If you would like more information on Arty Farty Club, please click here for her Facebook page.
What is your biggest achievement?
We Are Hero’s is an art club for children – people come from out with the area for this club and the kids love doing a variety of arts and crafts including making slime!
Holiday Club runs through out the school holidays and has themed days to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, these are very popular and the kids are always happy during these sessions.
Art Kits these are my own designs and have everything included for you or any child to complete the craft at home.
Tell me a fun fact about the business?
I am always making people laugh and this helps them to relax. Most people that attend are slightly mad and anyone who attends sessions here knows that I am obsessed with aliens!
What advice would you give someone wanting to join your industry?
Let go of the fear and look at the positive side, do not dwell on the negatives.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Seeing the change in people, initially they think that they cannot do something and afterwards they are amazed that they have completed it.
I love the sessions I do with Scottish families effected by drugs and alcohol; it is very rewarding being able to help them.
What do you do in your spare time to unwind?
Relaxing walks in nature with my daughter and dogs. I love crafting so even at home we are doing crafts of some sort.
What do people need to weary off, if setting up their own business?
Be prepared for the hard times if it was not for BRAG, I would not be open. Owning my own business is much harder than I thought it would be. I also gave up my full-time job much quicker than I should have.
Most important lesson you have learnt, since starting your business?
Do not take anything for granted and always plan for the worst-case scenario.
What is your next goal, personal or business?
I have two goals that are entwined. Personally, I need to learn to drive, once I am passed my test, I will then be able to go to different areas with my clubs as so many people are unable to bring themselves or their children to Crosshill.
I have also recently become certified as a Devon Age UK certified activity co-ordinator for Chair Yoga and I have put together a chair exercise programme that I have been teaching at the Together Levenmouth Hub, once I am driving, I can help more people with their mobility than I am able to just now.
What is the best thing about your premises/being base here?
Personally, it is so close to my home I can just walk to work, so it is very handy.
As there is so much business owners here in Crosshill, we are a community and we do all help each other out when required.
Why should people come here?
They would love the company – having your own business can be lonely. Being based here is very easy as you have your rent and service payments and you don’t have to worry about monthly bills coming in much higher than expected.
Friendliness – from the BRAG Staff, other businesses and the people that use the services that BRAG provide and the customers visiting the other businesses. It is an amazing little community that you don’t get elsewhere.