Bramber Studio - The Art of Business Success

Hazel Greene always loved art and painting. She attended evening art classes and spent her holidays visiting art galleries around the world. But she didn't set out to become a full time artist. Instead, she took her father's advice and began a career in administration and finance, working in a number of multinational companies.

Today, Hazel is a highly regarded artist, known throughout Ireland and North America operating from Bramber Studio in Shinrone, Co. Offaly. Her work is popular for its bold use of colour and unusual forms of presentation. "My business experience proved to be a strength in looking at art as a business and planning how to go about things," she says.

"I had been painting silk scarves for friends as gifts and this generated a lot of interest - and orders. But I couldn't afford to become a full time artist right away and the transition took time." For ten years, in fact, she worked her City career side-by-side with designing and producing hand painted silk gift ware as she planned with her husband, Cyril, the development of an art studio that would employ both of them. Finally, in 2003, they reached the stage where they believed that they had a viable business. They gave up their day jobs, sold their house and built a combined house and studio/workshop in Shinrone.

Finally able to devote themselves full time to art, the business took off in leaps and bounds. Through promotion at trade fairs, such as Showcase, Hazel's work was introduced to both Irish and international buyers, and became particularly popular with customers in North America.

The studio started as Hazel Greene Silks, because initially that's what was produced. It is now known as Bramber Studio to reflect an ever-widening range - scarves, paintings, wall hangings and lampshades. Hazel is the artist, and Cyril does the framing, makes the items that Hazel paints on, and manages the promotion through sales and marketing.

Having established their art business, Hazel and Cyril continue to reassess customers' needs and, last year, Bramber Studio introduced a range of workshops and art classes, which take place at the purpose built studio. This has added increased strength to the business by maximising the facilities that are available on site.

"Offaly County Enterprise Board is invaluable in guiding a small business. Both of us have participated in Management Development training programmes provided by the Board, and this has challenged us to continually refine our business plan." Hazel attributes the business success of Bramber Studio to date to careful planning, progressing in small steps and always looking at new ideas."

Ms. Hazel Greene & Mr. Cyril Stanley
Bramber Studio
Rathcahill
Shinrone
Birr
Co. Offaly.

Tel: 0505 47025
email: info@hazelgreenesilks.com
Web: www.hazelgreensilks.com