Sarah Gilbert, Nicola Nott and Joanna McGinn had an aim: to support, inspire and bring together creative individuals and small businesses in and around Henley-on-Thames. And so The Creative Duck was born.
   They host regular talks from experts to inspire creative businesses and makers; and events to share knowledge, learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

     "We started The Creative Duck a year ago and it has really grown with popularity over the past 12 months," says local mum Sarah Gilbert, a former teacher at Cookham Rise Primary School, who also runs retro company Box of Smiles [https://www.mumsaboutcookham.com/interview-box-of-smiles]. "We hold
regular talks and workshops (PR, social media, creative writing, finance,
Smartphone Photography and more) from inspirational experts. We’ve tapped
into a need and a thirst for people looking to share knowledge, learn from others and meet like-minded people. The response has been mind-blowing and our community keeps growing."

    And now, they have a new online shop jam-packed with handpicked, high-quality products that are made by their network of creatives. Products include fine art prints by Genevieve French, known for her collaboration with Paul Smith; delicate handmade jewellery from Love Scarlet; hand-poured candles by Cucumber Wood Candles and acclaimed ceramics by Kate Garwood to name just a few. It's a curated platform for creatives to sell their work, reaching a growing national and international audience of customers wanting to shop ‘small and independent’.
     "We have selected only the best-quality products, from talented local makers and creative brands," explains co-founder Nicola Nott. The result is a curated yet eclectic range of lifestyle products, homewares, fashion and accessories, art and food. There’s also a bespoke section for personalised gifts and courses.

   Watercolourist Emma Benz, selling her colourful prints on the site, explains: “I’m so excited to be part of The Creative Duck online marketplace, which is fantastic as it supports and brings together local makers in my area. I have been a ‘Duck’ since last year and it has made a huge difference to my business, with an amazing array of talks and events, as well as a wonderful group of supported, talented people.”

   Co-founder Joanna McGinn adds: “When we set up The Creative Duck, our aim
was to support a thriving creative community and put the area on the creative ‘map’. Launching the shop feels like the perfect next step on this journey.”

 

Next meet-up

Location: The Bull on Bell St

Time: Thursday 13th September, 10:30am–11.30am

Tickets: on sale shortly. ​

Join them for good coffee and conversation at their monthly Creative Cafe pop-up at The Bull. These mornings are a great chance to connect with new people, exchange ideas and collaborate with their growing community. 

​

https://www.thecreativeduck.co.uk/ 

Facebook Group: @thecreativeduck 

Instagram: @thecreativeduck