We recently connected with Amy Gilvary and Noël Cody Mumford and have shared our conversation below.

Amy & Noel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

It all started with just one class. We spent one hour, once a week teaching a music enrichment class at a local preschool. At the end of the school year, parents asked where their children could continue working with us.

It wasn’t long before we rented a space and began teaching a few classes a week, watching it grow into a few more classes, and a few more. But it was those first families, our first clients, who recognized that we were teaching more than music—they saw that their children were making new friends, raising their hands in class, and becoming more confident.

By placing our emphasis on progress, not perfection or profit, we created a loyal community with staying power—which has translated in an increase into business recommendations and, of course, revenue.

When we first met some of our students, they were three years old, now they are nine and 10 years old and they have followed us to our first studio, and now to our second location.

Amy & Noel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At Creative Co-Op, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, judgement-free space. It’s where people can learn, grow, gather, share, and inspire each other in individual and collective pursuits of awesome-ness—so that we can all thrive.
Where imagination is cultivated, passions are pursued, and people can forge meaningful connections.

Where every race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity is not only welcomed, but celebrated.

One of our favorite quotes is from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, “Creativity is a crushing chore and a glorious mystery. The work wants to be made it and it wants to be made by you.”

At our studio, you’ll find programs that span all creative mediums—and ages—but they all have one thing in common. The work is calling and wants to be made—and we’re holding space for all of it. From theater to our afterschool classes in music, acting and dance, our kids’ programs are an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to flex skills like acceptance, kindness, and of course, jazz hands.

We also bring adults to the stage for theater experiences while welcoming artists in to teach night out classes like resin pouring, floral design, and much more. We want to be the place you want to come to feel safe and to take risks. Whether it’s stepping into our adult tap-dancing class or trying your hand at cookie decorating, our goal is that you leave our studio feeling better than when you arrived.

This studio is a space where you can hang out with other creatives—this your place, these are your people. Here is a sampling of our classes and programs:

• Resin Art
• Musicals
• Acting Classes
• Set Design Workshops
• Floral Arranging
• Girl Scout Badges
• Wreath Making
• Glass Art
• Photography

We believe in creativity. We believe in you. We believe in each other. And we believe in love.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2020, the whole world shut down—and for a moment we thought about shutting down too. Instead, we ZOOMed our hearts out and kept moving forward. Then we had a wild, and crazy idea. We rented a new space and opened a new, in-person studio. Yes, at the height of the pandemic. Yes, our programs were all about music and theater. And yes, it was when singing was the most dangerous thing you could do.

We were determined to be that safe space for adults and kids who were craving connection, even more than ever before. So, we got out our masks, put on our face shields, opened the doors, and held our breath. It was scary and it was slow to start, but soon our core clients, our families, began to trickle back in. They trusted us to be the creative and social outlet that was key to everyone’s survival then—and they still do today.

We always tell our students that everything is figure-out-able. So, while the easier thing to do might have been to close and walk away, we were determined to do whatever it took to figure it out, so we could be there for them. And you know what? They were there for us too.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

WE SHOW UP. Our support isn’t restricted to the confines of the studio.

When one of our students performs in a show somewhere else, we’re in the audience cheering for them.

When the local elementary schools needed help running an after-school program, we’re there.

When the Women’s Business League needed a meeting spot, we opened our doors.

When one of our students is sick, we walk in their honor and help with fundraising.

You’ll find us at the local coffee shop, marching in the pride parade, hosting inter-generational open mic nights, partnering with other local businesses, laughing out loud, and giving out all the hugs.

We support our students inside and outside of the studio. Just by showing up, we have made our mark on this community as dedicated, trusted, creative, bold, brave women.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativecoopma.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativecoopma/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063543963989