Moo d'Art
Two sisters have combined their creative skills and managerial expertise to open up
their own business Moo d'Art; bringing a new gallery to the town of Newton-le-Willows.
Artist Anne Christian and her sister, Clair Greenall, who manages the business, decided to open the Moo d'Art Gallery earlier this year after receiving help and support from Train 2000, the Centre for Women's Enterprise and Employment. In order to prepare them for the start up of their own business they received one-to-one business advice and help with putting their business plan together.
And, not only is the business providing an opportunity for Anne to sell and display her work in the local area and further a field, but the sisters are also encouraging other local artists to feature their work in the gallery too.
32-year-old Clair said:
"So far the business is going well and we are really enjoying working for ourselves. We decided to start up in business because Anne obviously had the artistic skill and I had previous managerial experience, so we felt that together we could be a real winning team.
The gallery has been really well received in Newton-le-Willows and we have had orders from both businesses and individuals for Anne's work. Within the gallery we are currently featuring the work of a dozen other local artists and we are delighted to be able to give them such an opportunity. We hope to work with many other people in the future."
Anne, since her studies in display and exhibition design, has been painting for 15 years. She produces a variety of genres including abstract and relief paintings.
She said:
"It's nice to run a business that has an outlet for my creativity. Clair and I have complimentary skills and are both pleased that not only are my paintings selling, but we are also running a successful art dealership helping other local artists too.
The job has its trials and tribulations because I am a working mother of two. At times it can be very difficult juggling everything but the end results are definitely worth it."
The gallery is situated on the High Street in the centre of Newton-le-Willows and is open five days a week to customers.
Clair added:
"Starting up our own business has been a real challenge, mentally and financially, but the buzz we both get from our successes makes it all worthwhile.
And, the gallery has added so much to Newton-le-Willows. We are delighted with how the locals have reacted to it and look forward to building the business up further over the next few years."
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Moo d'Art, or the gallery, should call Clair on 07801 559470.