Ruth Morris – Creation Station

Ruth from Aberdeen is in the ‘Hot Seat’ when she is interviewed about running her own Creation Station franchise.

What inspired you to start looking for something different to do?
I’m fortunate to be mum to Connor and Lexie and have a fab husband. But after working in the local authority for over 10 years I realised there were other options out there and I didn’t need to just stick with what I was doing.

What were you looking to achieve?
I had two main big goals, these were:
1. I wanted to enjoy a greater work life balance and to support my family whilst working from home.
2. I really wanted to be my own boss so I could determine my own goals and recognise my own achievements.

Why did you look to run your own franchise?
I looked at franchised businesses because I wanted to be my own boss but recognised with the right franchise there was a lot of the support available to develop a stronger business. I was also nervous of starting up on my own after more than a decade in local authority.

What attracted you to The Creation Station?
I’d worked with children previously and I really wanted to provide an exceptional experience for children & families. The moment I came across The Creation Station online I was attracted to the ethos, values and opportunities of the company. They are rated five-stars by customers on Trust Pilot and in an independent franchise satisfaction survey they received five-star rating. This demonstrates that as a company they care about both the customers and their franchisees.

What were the barriers you had to overcome before you made the decision to invest?
I chose to leave my full time professional career, whilst my husband was starting a new job, because I knew I wanted a change. I financed the investment with a bank loan, which was easier than I thought. The bank was very helpful and have never turned down a bank loan for a Creation Station franchise, which was very reassuring.

What were your feelings when you attended a Discovery Morning?

I’d received the printed franchise information pack and the next step was to go to a free Discovery Event on a Saturday morning. It’s a great way to find out more and you can bring your partner and children if you want to. However, I was incredibly nervous for two reasons – what if I decided the business was not the one for me as it looked perfect – but what if they said I wasn’t right for them. I was very aware that they are very selective about who is awarded a franchise, which is great for ensuring our brand values are maintained – but it still made me nervous!

What did you think about the training?
I loved the training, especially as it was based at the Creative Hub head office, so straightaway I felt part of the company. I can visualise meetings and planning in the meeting room and the huge warehouse where my arts and crafts orders get processed and sent to me usually by the next day which is such a great service from Richard our super store man. It covered all aspects of running the business including practical sessions running class. I felt very confident and reassured.  The atmosphere was exciting, supportive, creative and energised. Four years on I still feel very supported and valued.

Please describe the first few months of your business?

I launched straight after training with eight taster drop in events, followed immediately by a further 11 weeks of classes. I have developed new classes, sought new venues, provided lots of birthday parties and I regularly see over 100 families every week. I did not anticipate how quickly my business would flourish nor could I have foreseen the level of interest in both summer activities and bookings into September.

By month three my husband even confided to me that he never thought my business would become this busy.

Describe your highlights so far
I’ve been able to attend so many more events in my children’s lives and the accomplishment that I am providing all childcare myself for the first time in their lives.
Also I’ve made lots of friends and love when I meet families in different environments and see how incredibly excited they are to see me. I am definitely the ‘go to person’ for creative activities from new born babies up to the age of 99 years old in my community.

I also love seeing the change in children at both Baby Discover and Little Explores, examples include:

1. A child who was incredibly averse to touching the paint and new materials. His mummy reported with such excitement that since attending my classes he has played in his sand pit, enjoyed mud pies and I have seen him soar with confidence.
2. A little boy who was struggling to maintain interest and participate within the class structure has over 6 weeks developed his focus on his tasks and has learnt all the songs and movements.
3. The first time a baby picked up a paint brush and started to make marks – his mummy was so excited.
4. The Magic Ideas Box we use – it draws children like the ‘Pied Pipers’ tune; they are so excited and it’s a wonderful way to spark their own journey of exploration and discovery, so it is all about their ideas and nurturing their creativity.
5. Circle time at the beginning of every class- children and parents just want to share such lovely life events.

It is such a privilege and very fulfilling to be part of children’s development and to share such special moments. I feel very fortunate to run a business that is making such a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

What are your long-term ambitions for your Creation Station franchise?
To provide an exceptional service for children, families and organisations across the north east of Scotland, whilst supporting my family and developing a rewarding career, driven by my own goals and dreams.