Creativitea

With the help of the Welsh Government's Taste of Enterprise project Jo has been able to realise her dream. Due to ill health, Jo has been out of the work place for several years and needed support to regain her confidence.

She was helped to create a business plan which led to a successful grant application from Caerphilly Borough Council's Rural Development Programme.

Jo's art gallery and tea room, Creativitea @ Ffos-y-Gerddinen, is now open and based at 13 commercial street,Nelson,.

Says Jo … "I wanted to create a focal point for the community, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where people can socialise over acup of tea or coffee andgood food (our luxury desserts and cakes have already proved to be a big hit) surrounded by the artwork of the many talented artists who live and work in the Welsh valleys.

" We already have an impressive number of works on display including water colours, acrylics, lino prints and wood craft as well as cast figures and a range of ethically sourced items for sale and a selection of art materials for anyone who may be inspired to try painting themselves.

Help from the Welsh Government Taste of Enterprise project means I have developed from ‘Jo theartist' to ‘Jo the budding entrepreneur' to ‘Jo the business woman'. The support received has enabled my initial idea to blossom into a real venture and is already attracting visitors from neighbouring communities and even further afield – from Australia & Canada!

"The positive response and comments Creativitea @ Ffos-y-Gerdinnen has received has made all the hard work and effort worthwhile and I plan to expand the premises with a tea garden and outdoor facilities by the summer.Future projects also include workshops and art tuition.”

Creativitea @ Ffos-y-Gerdinnen is located at 13 Commercial Street, Nelson CF46 6ND. Tel: 01443 300818.

Opening hours currently Mon -Fri 9.30 - 4.30 pm, Sat 10am - 4pm (times are subject to change as the weather gets warmer andwith the garden completed).

Taste of Enterprise is part of the Welsh Government Start Up Service – for more details call 03000 6 03000