Couple’s potty idea is source of inspiration
Last updated 15:16, Thursday, 30 October 2008
ENROLLING in a series of pottery workshops while living in sunny Gibraltar changed the course of one family’s lives.
Artistic mother-of-four Niky Dodds enjoyed her new-found hobby so much that when her tutor retired, she bought the businesses.
When husband Mark’s three-year contract as a teacher on The Rock ran out, the couple moved back to his native Hexham – complete with two kilns and well over 1,000 moulds.
Indeed, the couple had all the equipment they needed to start up their own fully-fledged business in Hexham.
Inspired Pots opened its doors earlier this month on Eastgate, in a premises owned by Mark’s father, retired Hexham solicitor Charles Dodds.
The bright, airy, attractive shop contains all the ceramic figures, paints, stencils and templates a person could want to paint their own mini-masterpiece.
They have already had a significant number of customers through the doors, including a party of 22 five-year-olds.
“It is lovely to see people get so enthusiastic about being creative – they go home so proud of what they have produced,” said Niky.
The stock carried by Inspired Pots is designed to appeal to a wide audience – young and old, inexperienced and accomplished.
As well as the individuals and private groups who have dropped in, schools and organisations such as the Women’s Institute have also expressed an interest.
“We have had quite a lot of interest from older people, who come along to paint as a relaxation,” she said.
“And group bookings for birthday celebrations are already proving popular.”
Despite 15 years living away, Mark and Niky’s business has got off to a flying start in Hexham thanks to their wide social network.
Now living on one of the family’s two farms – Dunkirk and East farms, near Humshaugh, were originally farmed by Mark’s grandfather – the family are active members of Hexham’s Trinity Methodist Church.
The couple met 19 years ago, at a time when they were both working for the Scripture Union.
Mark invited Niky, who hails from Ramsgate in Kent, to come up to help with the Churches Together annual holiday club in Hexham one summer – and they got married two years later.
Mark said: “Between the two of us, through my career as a teacher, Niky’s artistic talents and the organisations we have helped out with over the years, we are well versed in teaching new skills.
“We believe that, provided with the correct direction, support and friendly environment, everybody can be creative.”
Inspired Pots is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am till 5pm, except Wednesdays, when the shop is open from 3pm until 10pm.
The shop will also open during evenings and Sundays for parties and group bookings.
The couple’s new website can be found at www.inspiredpots.co.uk.
