Catori Arts is a spirited company aimed at introducing our customers to their own ingenuity. Our mission is to be a pillar of creative activity in Central Florida, with a kaleidoscopic offering of innovatory workshops, live performances, and a novel approach to the archetypal caf�. We aim to illuminate our community: ushering them into the next generation of artistry, social and environmental consciousness, and above all, their own enjoyment and fulfillment. Our goal is to build an expansive network of brilliant artistic pioneers and dedicated customers, eventually evolving into a truly glorious all-encompassing ground-breaking creative powerhouse.
Our business model (and why it�s unique):
We don�t just sell goods or serve food or teach classes � we foster relationships, build confidence and self-esteem, which is a powerful source of promoting loyalty in customers and word-of-mouth marketability.
We approach handiwork and creative/artistic ventures in the most welcoming and accessible way possible to take the fear and intimidation away and make ease of entry and convenience to our service.
Our classes focus on short-term project-oriented goals, rather than long-term skill expertise. We want to be people�s spark � their introduction to a broad range of creative possibility and intellectual stimulation, so they can take their own interests forward in any way they choose: and our expert staff, library, and retail outlet will be the perfect resources for long-term creative goals they make for themselves.
Central Florida is the ideal location for this business, because of our outstanding local resources and contacts. We have the upper hand in bringing new crafts to an area that likes artsy stuff, but is a little behind the current art/craft trends and technology. The area is long past due in exploring Bookbinding and Needleworking crafts � and we would be on the forefront of a movement in the area. So, while there are many businesses and nonprofit organizations in the area that are devoted to artistic training, we will offer the new technologies and unique materials that our competitors don�t address.
The founders of Catori Arts, as artists and musicians themselves, have been building a network of allies for the past decade, including specialty shops, artisans, musicians, museums, schools, churches, scouting organizations, and countless �crafty-types�, all of which will be active and invaluable in bringing people through our doors.
We will offer a unique atmosphere with intimidation and commitment-free or commitment-minimal introductions to projects with lots of resources and examples.
Our web-based marketing and retail offerings will also work to our advantage: we have a team of volunteer-based designers and programmers who are committed to keeping our online division completely updated and user-friendly. We intend to sell our retail products, custom-made goods, as well reservations for our workshops all on CatoriArts.com.
Workshops:
Project-based, multi-disciplinary, introductory-level; we provide materials, instruction, coupons/discounts. Customers will leave with knowledge and/or a finished project.
Samples of offerings:
Paper Crafts
Accordian books
Simple books - pamphlet stitch, folded books, origami book
Japanese books
Kids scrapbooks/bookmaking
Greeting Cards, gift wrap, and gift bags and boxes
Exposed spine binding
Cased-in binding journal
Button-hole stitch book
Beginner Scrapbooking
Altered Books
Piano-hinge books
Jewelry-making
Byzantine jump ring Bracelets
Brazilian Bead Bracelets
Basic Beading
Wire-wrapping
Wire Crochet
Fiber crafts
Beginner & Intermediate knitting
Intro to Screenprinting
Hand-sewn changepurse
Candles & Soap
Safe and Easy Soapmaking
Simple Candlemaking
Potpourri Sachets
Intro to Aromatherapy
Fitness/wellness
Yoga On The Go
Self-massage
Writing/literature
Starting to Journal
Poetry Appreciation
What to Write About
And more!
Our location:
Classroom Space, doubling as meeting/function space, as well as a gallery of local artwork.
Performance space with more comfortable seating/Creative Library
Caf� (minimal seating, bar/counter, kitchen area)/Minimal kitchen (heating/cooling)
-Coffee & Tea, Soda Fountain
-Coffee Creation Station
-Imported/socially conscious coffees & teas
-Specialty desserts & pastries (healthy, etc.)
Retail (shelves, cash counter, welcome area where info is displayed, demo table)
-Handcrafted, multi-cultural, creative, on-of-a-kind art, crafts, items (journals, scarves, handbags, candles, soaps, jewelry, cookbooks/recipes, ceramics, furniture)
-Imported items made to support traditional handiwork from other nations
-Earth-conscious items to promote a healthy world
-Health-conscious items
-Art and craft supplies related to our classes and workshops, especially assembled kits that people can buy to complete a particular project. (candle-making kit, soft-covered journal, greeting card kits, etc.)
-Artwork on commission from local artists
-A selection of books about related topics, relating to a guest author, lecturer, book clubs, etc.
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