STORY
inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
CELEBRATING CREATIVE MINDS, MEET THE INCREDIBLE LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ENRICHING THE COUNTY WITH HANDCRAFTED ITEMS, UNIQUE JEWELLERY AND CREATIVE EXPERIENCES.
MINNIE-MAE STUDIO minniemae. co. uk minniemaestudio
Minnie-Mae Studio was founded by Minnie-Mae Scott. After growing up in Hackney, East London, both Minnie-Mae’ s mother and grandmother( seamstresses and set designers) played an instrumental role in encouraging her interests in the world of art and culture.“ My studio is based in Ramsgate; during the week we work in the studio and on the weekend we open our doors to showcase our handmade interior objects and ceramics- thoughtfully crafted items for the home that have a touch of humour and whimsy. Taking inspiration from British shorelines, Italian kitsch, English veg markets and Greek mythology, my business has grown over the past fifteen years, concentrating on ceramics for the past eight. We offer a range of handmade gifts and workshops and will start to host pop-up weekends with other artists and makers. There are some very exciting collaborations coming up, with both local Ramsgate businesses and some further afield. People can also sign up to the mailing list on my website for upcoming workshops and events.”
ANNABEL’ S COLLECTIVE annabelscollective. co. uk annabelscollective
Annabel’ s Collective was founded by Louise and began in July 2024, initially starting as a small business creating plated beaded bracelets in a range of sizes, it has now grown into an established brand.“ As someone with smaller wrists, I often struggled to find bracelets that fit comfortably, so I started making pieces that were perfectly sized and personalised. At the beginning, I sold through Instagram DMs and attended local Markets”. Today, Annabel’ s is known for its interactive charm bar, where customers can choose from a growing collection of chains and charms to create a completely personalised experience, alongside permanent jewellery and personalised jewellery collections.“ We also attend pop-ups, private events and corporate bookings, helping people create jewellery that is unique to them. I’ ve always had an entrepreneurial streak and have tried various business ideas over the years, but this business started from a simple desire to create bracelets that fit exactly how I wanted them to. My goal is to continue growing the business, expand our events and jewellery experiences, and create an even bigger destination for customers while keeping the friendly, personal atmosphere that has been at the heart of the business from the very beginning.”
CREATIVE FLOW EVENTS creativeflowevents. co. uk creative. flow. events
Lauren is the founder of Creative Flow, where creative experiences are enjoyed in beautiful spaces across the county. A practising artist for almost a decade, after years of seeing how art and creativity can bring people together, Lauren launched Creative Flow, where welcoming spaces allow people to slow down, connect and try something new. Today, Creative Flow hosts a range of experiences including Sip & Paint evenings, Paint with Coffee workshops and Yoga & Art afternoons in venues ranging from cafés to vineyards.“ I’ ve always loved creating and hosting welcome events, but what I love even more is seeing people surprise themselves,” says Lauren.“ So many people arrive saying they’ re not creative and then leave feeling proud of what they’ ve made.” The focus isn’ t on being an artist. It’ s about enjoying the experience, meeting new people and taking time out from busy lives to try something new. Looking ahead, Lauren is excited to continue growing across Kent and developing more seasonal experiences that bring creativity and wellbeing together.“ Whether it’ s sketching in a cosy café or creating art surrounded by nature, I want people to leave feeling inspired and connected. Creativity should feel accessible, joyful and something everyone can enjoy.”
200 • www. insidekent. co. uk