23/06/2026
The last few weeks have been quiet in the shop and it’s given me a lot of time to think about my business model - what’s working and what isn’t.
Don’t worry though, this isn’t a pity post! I think we can all agree that Saltash Fore Street is not a thriving shopping centre, and I knew that when I opened.
My original vision of providing workshops so that people could come and try something new, learn new techniques, and/or just enjoy some creative time, feels like it’s coming together. Sales of tickets for my workshops have been really good, and that is the business I always wanted to build.
I had thought that having a shop would give me visibility whilst providing some income, and I wanted to showcase the lovely handmade products of local makers, but the reality is that with few people coming in, it doesn’t feel like a good use of my time or energy.
In previous weeks I’ve played around the edges with these realisations. I started by moving one of my workbenches into the main shop area so that I could make jewellery while running the shop. Then I reduced my opening hours, just from 5pm to 4pm. These things have been helpful but they haven’t addressed the real issue, which is that Creative Explorers Workshop is about experiences not things.
I’ve been trying to fit in the workshops around the shop opening times, when really the workshops should be my priority, so that’s the basis for the changes I’m making:
* No regular opening hours - I’ll still be there quite often so if the door is open and you want to speak to me, please do pop in. If the door is shut then try the (new) doorbell. I don’t mind being disturbed if I’m there - I just don’t want to be there all day regardless, especially if I’m running a workshop that evening.
* More daytime workshops and crafty get-togethers (including weekends)
* No longer selling handmade products - my own jewellery and art will still be available to buy, but it doesn’t feel fair to hold stock for others when I’m not operating as a shop.
* The current shop area will become the Jewellery Studio and most jewellery workshops will take place there. Larger and other workshops will continue to be held upstairs.
All this will take effect around next weekend, which also happens to be around the end of the month. The shop will be open as usual this week from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, so if you do want to buy any of the handmade items that have been adorning my window over the past few months, then this week is your last chance!
Finally (and if you've read this far!) I want to thank all of you who have supported me and my business so far, in whatever way that may be (even just telling a friend about my existence is much appreciated!) I hope that you can see this is a positive evolution of what I want the business to be, not a reaction to poor sales. I thrive on change and I'm excited for the next iteration of my business 😃
