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SPARK CRAFT STUDIOS WINS

2005 STEVIE® AWARD FOR BEST NEW COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This is Spark Craft Studios’ Second Award in 2005

Somerville, MA – December 14, 2005 – Spark Craft Studios was named Best New Company of the Year in The 2005 (2^nd annual) Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.  This is Spark Craft Studio’s second award of 2005 – they also won the Retailers Association of Massachusetts Award of Excellence (RAMAE) award for Most Creative Concept in November.

The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs, www.stevieawards.com/women, is an international awards competition recognizing the accomplishments of women executives and business owners.  The awards are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards, hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” by the New York Post (April 27, 2005). 

Spark Craft Studios won Best New Company of the Year and were finalists for Most Innovative Company as well as Best Website.   The genesis of Spark Craft Studios grew from an MBA project owners Jan Stephenson and Amy Appleyard shared during their graduate program at Boston University.  Through research, they discovered a trend among young metropolitan females, who were showing a renewed interest in crafts such as knitting, crocheting, jewelry making and scrap booking.  These young professionals were looking for a place to unwind, nurture their creativity, and socialize with friends.

Located in Somerville, Spark Craft Studios evokes the atmosphere of both a hip, urban club and an upscale craft boutique replete with lounges and workspace furnished in stylish décor. 

“The winners of the Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs reflect the vital and inspiring role that women executives and entrepreneurs play in today’s economy,” said Michael Gallagher, president of The Stevie Awards.  “All of this year’s finalists and winners are to be congratulated for their achievements and for their contributions to their communities.” 

The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs are governed by a Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors that features many leading women entrepreneurs and figures in American business, including Carrie Fitzmaurice, publisher for Entrepreneur Media Inc.; Dr. Lisa Krinsky, chairman & president for SFBC International; and Dr. Betty Spence, president of The National Association for Female Executives.  

About Spark Craft Studios

Spark Craft Studios was launched by Jan Stephenson and Amy Appleyard in January 2005.  Young metropolitan females of greater Boston visit Spark Craft Studios to nurture their creativity in a trendy spot while socializing with friends. Each month the studio hosts nearly 40 classes, events and private parties such as professional women’s group meetings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, mothers’ groups, corporate retreats or just a group of friends having “a girls night out”.

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