TWO sisters are pursuing their dreams and honouring their late mum who died of cancer by opening an exciting new store in which Colchester creatives can unleash their artistic side.

Alison Parsons, 40, and her sister, Diane West, 59, have today officially launched Jean’s Craft Room, in North Hill, Colchester.

The new family-run, which gives customers the chance to paint pottery and get creative, is named after the sisters' mother, Jean Parsons, who died in 2019 from lung cancer. 

Alison believes her mum would be proud of what the pair are doing.

Gazette: Jean - The store has been named after Alison and Diane's mother, Jean ParsonsJean - The store has been named after Alison and Diane's mother, Jean Parsons (Image: Public)

Gazette: Sad - Jean passed away from cancer in 2019, she was always fond of arts and craftsSad - Jean passed away from cancer in 2019, she was always fond of arts and crafts (Image: Public)

She said: “My mum would have loved for us to do it if she was still around, she was always into crafts.”

Today, customers will be able to pop in and have a look around, find out more information about the business and pre-book a two hour slot.

During an allotted session, which begin at 10am or 2pm, guests will be able to pick from an assortment of quality items to paint, including cups, plates, flower pots, money boxes, and more. 

Once customers have chosen and paid for their items, which cost between £8 to £30, they are then permitted to use the wide variety of paints on offer to decorate and customise their pottery.

Alison and Diane then take back the items, glaze them and insert them into a 1,000 degree kiln to add that “shiny effect” to the pottery.

Customers will then be notified a week later once the pottery is ready to collect and take home.

Gazette: Creative - Here are some of the items that you'll be able to purchase and paint Creative - Here are some of the items that you'll be able to purchase and paint (Image: Public)

Gazette: Exciting - Alison Parsons has spent the last eighteen years working at Colchester Zoo as a Zookeeper, she is excited to launch the storeExciting - Alison Parsons has spent the last eighteen years working at Colchester Zoo as a Zookeeper, she is excited to launch the store (Image: Public)

Alison and Diane have both adored painting and crafts for “quite a few years”, so much so they decided to take the leap, quitting their jobs in order to start the new business.

Alison had spent the last 18 years as a zookeeper at Colchester Zoo, while Diane was working in administration.

“We’ve been talking about it over the years and decided to give it a go, we both have different backgrounds, so it is completely new for us," added Alison.

“We’re excited to bring something new into Colchester city centre that is easy for people to get into.”Gazette: Sister - Diane West is also looking forward to the store's opening this weekendSister - Diane West is also looking forward to the store's opening this weekend (Image: Public)

Gazette: Information - This poster tells you how you can book a slotInformation - This poster tells you how you can book a slot (Image: Public)

The business will expand on its craft services and will offer wreath making and Christmas card workshops in the near future.

Once the store is in full operation, from October 15 onwards, the opening hours will be 10am until 4pm every day except Wednesdays, when the store is shut.