A business born from passion
Passing on her talents
The best teachers and the best business people probably have something in common: a passion for their subject. If you can combine your personal passion with a joy in passing that skill onto others, you’re probably onto a winning formula. It’s one that has helped Beckey Preen grow FBL Quilting and Crafts over the last decade: ‘I have been teaching patchwork, quilting, dressmaking and jewellery making for nearly ten years, privately and for the local adult college and sewing shops.
‘Over the summer, I began to look more seriously at having my own studio space. The classes and my online retail stock had outgrown my current venues and I wanted to have more space to run more classes at different times.’
Easy access
There were several reasons Becky was drawn to CapitalSpace’s business accommodation in Harlow: ‘My studio is primarily a teaching studio, so one of the main things that attracted me to Greenway Business Centre (over other premises available locally) was the ample, free and unallocated parking. This is essential for my customers, so they can attend classes not worrying about how far they will have to walk with their sewing machines or trying to get parked.
‘I run a mixture of day and evening classes and having access 24 hours a day, seven days a week has opened up a whole new realm of potential teaching and online retail opportunities. Security arrangements make me feel safe working late, and I love the flexibility that it brings.’
‘The centre itself is exceptionally well maintained to a high standard and there is a distinct pride in keeping it that way. The facilities included (washrooms and kitchens) are also well kept, which gives it a wonderful, clean and salubrious environment.’
New possibilities
As FBL Quilting and Crafts grows, Becky will be able to offer more services at her new studio: ‘At the moment I am offering classes in patchwork, quilting, jewellery making, dressmaking and getting better use out of your sewing machine. These are available on weekdays, evenings and at weekends. As the terms progress, I will be adding further topics, such as sewing machines for beginners, ribbon flowers and bag making.
‘One of the things I love is that when my friends and family ask where I am for the day they don’t say “Will you be at work today?” but instead if I am going to my “happy place”.’
Knowing that we are Beckey’s ‘happy place’ is fantastic credit to our facilities and our staff – we hope we remain her happy place for many years to come!
