‘I thought we needed more things for young kids’
Woman opening new business aimed to be creative space for children
After working as a dental technologist in Ontario for a decade, the pandemic brought Carolyn Reddy back to Newfoundland.
Upon her return, though, and as a mother of three children, Reddy came to a realization: there’s a need for more children’s activities locally.
“I thought we needed more things for young kids, but also a place that makes things easy for the parents,” said Reddy.
“Parents want their kids to have a good time, but they want it to be uncomplicated and accessible.”
That inspired her to start her own venture, The Art Factory.
A CREATIVE SPACE
Reddy’s business, at 86 O’leary Ave., aims to be a creative space for children and parents and is set to open in June.
Reddy, who also has a degree as a visual artist from Memorial University’s Grenfell campus, said art is something she has always been passionate about.
“I started drawing when I was three years old. I loved it. I loved creating things and working with my hands,” she said.
Reddy added that exposing children to art and allowing them to create is important for their development.
“It will allow the children a way to express themselves, and my hope through offering this service is it will expose them to something that they’d like to do for the rest of their life.”
INVOLVING THE PARENTS
But The Art Factory is not just for kids, she added.
“Parents can be involved in a fun way, too,” she said.
When it comes to art, Reddy said, parents are more reluctant to get into these activities at home because cleaning up is so daunting.
At The Art Factory, cleanup will be handled by her, allowing parents to become more engaged with their child’s creativity.
“Kids want their parents to have fun as much as them, but it’s easy as a parent to have your mind on other things,” said Reddy.
“Taking away what they would be worried about allows them that time back with their children.”
‘ONE-STOP SHOP’
Reddy said The Art Factory will offer a wide range of services, including painting walls, sand areas, music rooms, and craft counters.
“I wanted there to be something for everyone. I want it to be a one-stop shop for all things artistic,” said Reddy.
“You can come in and create freely, but I will also be including tutorials and workshops for holidays, such as Mother’s Day, but also to help those hone their skills.”
It will also be a venue for birthday parties and features a sensory room for children with autism.
“My son does have special needs and I know if it would benefit him, it would benefit so many other people here, too. I’m very sensoryfriendly,” said Reddy.
‘A SENSE OF BELONGING’
Reddy said there are a few minor renovations to take care of before she can open her establishment.
“I have some demo because I want it all open. I want parents to see their kids wherever they are,” said Reddy. “Once the space is done, I will be able to fit up to 50 kids.”
Reddy hopes The Art Factory will inspire creativity, sustainability, and cultural diversity in the community.
“All those are key components that our society deals with and it’s important we understand and create a sense of belonging for these kids,” she said.