Littleborough art & craft studio celebrates seven years of creative fun

The Star Tree Studio CIC, based in Littleborough, is celebrating its seventh year in business this week after opening its doors back in 2013.

The Victoria Street studio is a creative space for parents and children of all ages and abilities to ‘pop in’ and enjoy arts and crafts together, attracting visitors from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Thousands of children and adults alike have enjoyed a creative activity, attended a class, party or event at Star Tree over the past seven years.

The studio was shortlisted as one of the three finalists for Rochdale Business Awards Start Up Business of the Year in November 2013; and in December 2014, Star Tree was voted by the public as Rochdale’s Hidden Gem.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93044/the-star-tree-studio-crowned-rochdales-hidden-gem

In May 2019, the Star Tree Studio became a Community Interest Company (CIC) a step forward acknowledging the part the studio plays in the local community and the benefits it provides people who access the services.

 

 

The studio has also developed its own unique educational creative art and craft classes for babies, toddlers and preschool children, the Create & Make Party – a creative birthday party option for children age two to twelve years and a gift making service.

Having built up a loyal local customer base over the years, the studio’s services became more sought after and they also work for other organisations providing creative activities for children, young people and adults.

Director, Neela Jackson said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, it’s a huge achievement. I was previously a lecturer in art and design in an FE college for seven years and after leaving the profession had run some art classes for young children which I loved.

“I had the idea that an open art studio space for children would bring real benefits to children and their grown-ups, that inspiring creativity and a love of arts and crafts from the early years, making it an easy and stress free experience for parents would be rewarding and make a real difference to people in our community.

 

 

“I started the business from scratch by myself, I saw the shop space up for rent and with the encouragement from a few mum friends, who didn’t think the concept was crazy, I took a very big leap of faith! No rent-free periods or financial support, I just started up and managed to keep things going through some really difficult times. Our provision has developed and grown over the years and I’m proud of the direction we have taken and the wide variety of people and organisations we work with.

“We are very fortunate to have a loyal core of customers who visit the Studio for Pop In activities and classes on a regular basis. Our Art Stars classes and Create and Make Parties are both very popular and have helped us sustain the business. We are always grateful for the support we receive from local people and it is thanks to them that the Studio is still going strong to this day.

“We are excited for the future and have some ‘work in progress’ that we can’t wait to share soon.”