TWO sisters who set up a business in honour of their late mum are celebrating a significant milestone.
Alison Parsons, 41, and sister Diane West, 60, are the owners of Jean’s Craft Room, in North Hill, Colchester, which reached its first anniversary on October 14.
The family-run business, which gives customers the chance to get creative and paint different types of pottery, is named after the sisters' mother, Jean Parsons, who died from lung cancer in 2019.
The pottery is put into a 1,000-degree kiln to add the “shiny effect”.
Customers are told when they can collect the finished pieces a week later.
Prices range from £8 to £30.
Alison previously spent 18 years as a zookeeper at Colchester Zoo, while Diane worked in administration.
The sisters say running Jean’s Craft Room has been a dream come true.
Alison said: “We both feel so pleased that we are celebrating our first anniversary.
“The last year has flown by, and we have been having such a great time meeting so many people.
“We hope that we continue to grow over the next few years.”
Alison believes their mother would be “so pleased and proud” with what the duo have achieved so far.
She said Jean would have loved helping out by making teas and chatting with customers.
There are wreath making workshops on November 7 and November 17, and an all-ages Christmas-themed event on November 15.
“It is hard work and lots of long days, but it is 100 per cent worth it in the end.
“When you see all the happy people doing something they clearly enjoy then it is all worth it.”
To find out more, visit jeanscraftroom.co.uk.
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