A tweet to former Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis resulted in an unexpected boost for Old Felstedian Aimie Bowles. Aimie, from Woodbridge, launched her craft party business Crafty Bear Studios less than a year ago and although her customer base is gradually expanding, she is keen to make it a big success. 

“I discovered that retail magnate and entrepreneur extraordinaire Theo invites small business owners to tweet him on what he calls ‘Small Business Sunday’, #SBS,” explains Aimie.

“Theo then chooses six businesses every week to re-tweet to his half a million followers. So I sent him a tweet about Crafty Bear Studios, which I still run from my home office, and to my delight, Theo re-tweeted me! Now I have more than 100 new Twitter followers and craft party bookings have been flooding in!”

Theo’s ‘Small Business Sunday’ began in 2010 and has shone the spotlight on more than 2,500 owners. “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK,” says Theo, Chairman of Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue.
 
“My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS retweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Crafty Bear Studios every success.”

Crafty Bear has now been profiled on www.theopaphitissbs.com, which is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday Winners. 

“It’s so great to have Theo’s support – he has really helped to spread the word,” says Aimie, 

Based in Woodbridge, Crafty Bear Studios hosts creative craft workshops, corporate events and hen parties in Suffolk and neighbouring counties either at customer’s homes or venues, or using the company’s own pop-up studios. 

Participants can choose from a range of projects including making cake toppers and drum lampshades, water colour painting or bunting sewing.

For more information, visit www.craftybearstudios.com