Helping guests to create, connect and reset at Stone Manor Studios in Newboro
There is a new business on the block in the small community of Newboro – Stone Manor Studios. Owned and operated by Kim Lulashnyk, Stone Manor Studios provides a warm and inspirational space for arts and crafts experiences for artists, and those who long to be one for a day.
Previously a bed and breakfast, Stone Manor Studios is situated on two-and-a-half acres in the centre of the scenic village of Newboro. Since purchasing, Kim has completely renovated the space, and created a stunning setting for aspiring artists to dive into their creativity.
In essence, the studio offers a nexus for Kim, offering her a sweet spot between being an educator and an artist.
“My goal is to open opportunities for people to come to Newboro and do something creative for a few hours, a full day, a weekend, or a full week retreat during the summer months,” said Kim.
As a professional full-time studio potter in Ottawa in her past life, Kim was excited to try her hand as a business owner and applied for the Small Business Starter Company Plus program to launch her small business in 2023. While being an artist by extension means being a sole proprietor, Kim explained her experience didn’t lend itself to understanding the type of details that the Small Business Advisory Centre (SBAC) offers in their program.
“When you’re a sole proprietor it’s not difficult to manage your expenses that come in monthly, but running a business is much more complex,” said Kim. “Having that support was amazing.”
The Starter Company Plus program gave Kim the know-how to envision her business in the short-term, mid-term, and long term, and to develop a full business plan. Kim leveraged the $5,000 grant received through the program to purchase signage, along with easels, paint sets, and everything she would need to run a workshop for acrylics, water colours, and oil painting.
“These easels were special because they were also collapsible, I could take them outside in the yard, I could take them out to Newboro Lake, I could take them in the studio to do a paint night,” said Kim. “It was fantastic and really allowed my business to grow.”
While the grant was a valuable asset for her in launching her new business, Kim explained the information she gained about business management and financial planning was more valuable in the long run. Receiving business coaching and assistance in writing her business plan helped her to ensure she was on track for where she envisioned her business in the next five years.
In 2023, Kim created a walkway through a one-acre forest, and in 2024 she will be inviting workshops participants to take part in a forest bath experience and self-guided walking tour hosted by a certified forest therapist, yet another tool to help connect them with their creativity.
“I’m really excited about incorporating that wellness aspect into the creativity aspect of my business,” said Kim. "Conversations centered on art have a transformative power. I find great fulfillment and success in my business by fostering opportunities to gather, experiment, and craft with our hands, drawing inspiration from each other, and pausing for reflection."
Address: 11 New Street, Newboro
Website: https://stonemanorstudios.ca/
Facebook: @stonemanorstudios
Instagram:@stonemanorstudioart
This article was published by the Small Business Advisory Centre.
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