Sandra and Jim Salter took the plunge and opened up their first ever shop, Salty’s Studio, in June 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. With the help of the Growth Hub, they have been able to keep their business on track throughout a turbulent time, with clear goals in their sights.
Salty’s Studio, found in Ashburton, Devon is a screen-printing studio and shop. Husband and wife team, Sandra and Jim Salter design and handprint cards, artwork and more, which are then sold in their shop and online.
They describe their style as ‘contemporary, fresh and upbeat’ and often use bright colours in their designs, whether a limited edition screen-print, tote bag or a tea towel.
Following careers in creative media for twenty years, Sandra and Jim found themselves detached from the hands-on work they really loved, and so they channelled their creative energy into screen printing and Salty’s Studio was born. However, opening a new shop in the midst of a pandemic is not without its challenges, and on top of this, the couple have been juggling their new venture alongside their two school-aged children.
Upon embarking on their new journey, Sandra and Jim stumbled across the Growth Hub whilst looking for advice and support for Devon-based businesses. It was then that they were put in touch with business advisor, Neil Jory. Together, they were able to pick apart the complexities of running a small business and make a clear business plan and marketing strategy going forward.
Sandra said, ‘talking through our business plan and marketing strategy has been really useful. Sometimes it’s just a case of not knowing where to start – so having a template and encouragement in the right direction is great. It has been peculiar times with lockdowns and children off school, so being able to keep our business on track throughout the unsettled times has been so valuable.’
Salty’s Studio: 30 North Street, Ashburton
www.saltysstudio.com
Instagram: @saltysstudio
