A mum from West Wickham has left her corporate career behind to run art and creative play classes for families in the area.
Claire Smith is set to launch ARTventurers Bromley at the end of October, bringing the arts and crafts programme to families across West Wickham, Hayes and Coney Hall.
While the Children’s Activities Association-accredited scheme already has branches nationwide through a franchise model, Claire's classes will be the first in south east London.
The mum-of-two, who spent years working in procurement and HR roles, called the move to a more entrepreneurial type of employment a "really big step".
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She said: "My whole entire working life, I've been employed in that more traditional way.
"It [running my own business] feels daunting, but it feels so exciting as well.
"When you've got a passion for something, thinking 'I have the autonomy to go and do this' is really freeing.
"Even if you've taken a path, it's never too late to pivot and do something a little bit different as well, especially if it's something you feel that you do get more fulfilment out of.
"I've not run my own business before, but this gives me the confidence that I can actually go and do it because you've got all the framework there for you."
Claire explained that ARTventurers helps with providing session plans, marketing materials, and initial materials to get the business off the ground, but offers franchisees the flexibility to source their own locations and grow their classes.
She first discovered the programme - which is designed to give babies and children the chance to enjoy hands-on arts and crafts - when her own daughter was a baby and said she "absolutely loved it".
After her son was born, the country went into lockdown and Claire said she then struggled to find classes in the area to take her children to - which was part of the inspiration behind setting up her own
Claire told the News Shopper: "Art's always been a passion of mine, it's always been my hobby, and it was really lovely to see something that was a bit different.
"In terms of finding ARTventurers as the kind of thing that I wanted to bring to families in Bromley, it was really a combination of my experience, my passion for art and wanting to support new mums and parents thoughout the community.
“Becoming a mum can be lonely. You're suddenly trying to work everything out, make new friends and find your feet.
"I wanted to create something where families could come together, have fun and make those connections."
Claire is bringing her family with her on the new venture, with her husband helping to leaflet in West Wickham and her children "excited" to be her "little helpers" at the classes.
ARTventurers Bromley's launch will begin with Halloween-themed sessions on October 29 and 31, with regular classes the following week, including sessions for six to 18-month-olds and six month to eight-year-olds.
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