StraightCurves
StraightCurves is a small business based in the heart of Chesterfield delivering arts and crafts sessions to all ages from 2 to 102 years! Sessions range from workshops and courses to parties and socials!
Karen Rogers, Director of StraightCurves Creative Ltd., explains how she swapped city life for Chesterfield’s community after living in London for 15 years.
“Even though I only moved here in 2012, Chesterfield has made me feel so welcome that I already consider it my home. Being part of a vibrant, engaged community plays a big role in my new business as it this which is the very fabric upon which the craft industry has been built.
“I have been working closely with local businesses and organisations to set up my business. Support, advice and information has come from many areas of the business community – Fred’s Haberdashery, Elizabeth’s Wool Shop in Clay Cross, Chesterfield Borough Council, Destination Chesterfield, Arts Derbyshire and even Pamcakes on Glumangate where you can often find me having cake and coffee!
“Having started out in the newly refurbished Market Hall, StraightCurves quickly outgrew its first home and so in November 2014 we moved to our very own building on Saltergate, where the central location and great public transport links are enabling me to make my dream of truly inclusive access to arts and crafts learning a reality. It’s allowing me to deliver not just one-off workshops, but also courses, after school clubs, social crafting sessions and drop-in surgeries for artists and crafters of all ages, abilities and disabilities at evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.
“I am passionate about providing a high quality service for people of all ages in a variety of specialist areas of arts, crafts and other creative things. My team of specially selected tutors provide a wealth of knowledge and skills across a wide range of specialist arts and crafts, and all have educational experience. In addition, I am passionate about working with local businesses and suppliers, and wherever possible sourcing environmentally friendly products. Hopefully this strong foundation will allow our business to grow into a successful and sociable creative service provider.
“Having received so much support from Chesterfield’s community I now consider myself a true Chesterfield Champion in every sense.”
