Creative Jam Art Co., established in April 2023, is a women-owned art studio providing diverse art experiences. The business specializes in a unique paint splatter room where customers can throw paint on a canvas, ceramic figurines, or other surfaces. This innovative concept is led by Marlo Marrero Fernandez, Irmgard Sauntinez, and Brendaliz Ayende, who came together to build a business inspired by their love for art and their community, and decided to take their ideas into action.
Business Started
2023
Capital Access
$74,000
The team approached CTSBDC seeking assistance with developing a comprehensive business plan to secure a loan from an SBA lending bank. With the guidance of CTSBDC business advisor Valerian Gomez, they overcame challenges and refined their ideas.
"Val’s help was invaluable. We had many questions, and Val always guided and answered us,” the client reflects.
Laying the Foundation for Success
“All 3 of these partners were very receptive to feedback and together I assisted them with putting together a solid business plan with projections. This resulted in Liberty Bank approving them for a $74,000 loan to start their business. We also assisted with operational guidance to help put them on the path to success.” says Val Gomez.
Since starting the business, The Creative Jam Art Co. has achieved significant milestones, including making a profit in its first year of operation. This accomplishment highlights the strong foundation built through operational guidance provided by CTSBDC.
“Working with the CTSBDC taught us the importance of mindset in entrepreneurship. Instead of feeling discouraged by obstacles, we learned to seek guidance, adapt when necessary, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”
Through their business planning conversations, they gained a deeper understanding of their competition while recognizing the unique value of their vision and mission. “Rather than being limited by competitors, we focused on what sets us apart—allowing us to carve out our own space in the industry with confidence and purpose.” shares the client.
The client highly recommends CTSBDC to other small business owners, stating, "We would recommend working with this organization to all new small business owners. It took so much time off our preparation. It was incredibly helpful to work with a former business owner who had 'been there' as an advisor."
The Future
“In just 2 years, we have remained financially strong, expanded our studio space, secured consistent weekend bookings, and upgraded from a manual cash register to a digital POS system. As we continue to grow, we are excited to introduce new projects and offerings while fostering meaningful community relationships—such as hosting Community Open Mic Nights and collaborating with BAIMS, the local arts magnet school.”
Looking ahead, they recognize that sustained growth requires strengthening their flagship location through the documentation of key processes. “By refining our operations, we aim to build a solid foundation for the future, with the ultimate goal of replicating our success in new locations.”
This vision for growth reflects Creative Jam Art Co. LLC’s commitment not only to creativity and community engagement but also to sustainable business practices—a focus that has guided them since the beginning of their journey with CTSBDC. With a strong foundation and ongoing strategic support, the business is poised to take its next big step