Located in an urban neighborhood just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, Spark Craft Studios evokes the atmosphere of both a hip club and an upscale craft studio replete with lounges and workspace furnished in stylish décor.

Jan Stephenson and Amy Appleyard founded the business in January 2005 after developing the business plan while attending Boston University’s MBA program.

Stephenson and Appleyard discovered a trend among younger, cosmopolitan women with disposable income and busy lifestyles.  These women wanted to get “back to basics;” to unplug from the often stressful and fast-paced world of business and technology.  To relax and feed their need for creative self-expression, traditional crafts such as scrapbooking, knitting, and jewelry-making were becoming popular.

Stephenson and Appleyard decided to meet this need with an innovative boutique and studio. They launched Spark Craft Studios with the tagline “Creativity, Community, Style” to appeal to this niche market.

Catering to 20 and 30-something beginner crafters, Spark Craft Studios sells high-quality, fashion-forward supplies from vendors such as Paper Salon and Queen & Co.  Classes include “Paper Cross Stitch,” “Using Beads in Layouts,” and “Wedding Shower Notes.”  Members and day use guests use the studio’s tools – such as a computer/printer and Ellison’s “Big Shot” – as well as a resource library of magazines and books.

Spark Craft Studios was designed with relaxation, inspiration, and ongoing education in mind.  Spark is housed in a charming, two-story building with exposed brick, high ceilings and skylights.  Displays offer ideas while staff and classes provide skills training.  Customers can grab a cup of coffee or tea from the kitchenette while working and socializing.

In the retail boutique, customers can purchase specialty papers, cardstock, rubber stamps, and embellishments as well as yarn and beads. Classes are offered in a 1-2 session format to fit busy lifestyles. Private parties are popular for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers, mothers’ groups, professional women’s organizations, corporate retreats and “girl’s night out”.

Customers drop in to use the studio for $8 per day, or become members to take advantage of invites to members-only events, discounts on supplies and classes, unlimited use of the studio, free guest passes, and discounts at local businesses.  A three-month membership is $50 and an annual membership is $150.

Spark Craft Studios is unique in that only 1/3 of its 3,000 square foot space is dedicated to retail, while the majority of the space is used to host dozens of classes, events and private parties each month, serving groups of five to 50. 

With 50% of revenues generated by studio, class and event fees, Spark Craft Studios has gained attention as an innovative example of entertainment-based retailing. In 2005, Spark was awarded “Most Creative Concept” by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, as well as the national Stevie® Award for “Best New Company of the Year” and “Best of the New - Diversions” by The Boston Globe Magazine. 

Once Spark is well established locally, Stephenson and Appleyard plan to roll out additional Spark Craft Studios locations first regionally and then nationally.