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| Heather Habgood and her son, Sean, stand beside her Creative Bug workshop. |
“I think there is creativity in any job or career,” she says. “Even if you are an analyst, you have to find a creative way to present those numbers and pull out what information is relevant.”
Habgood is so certain that expressing one’s creative side is important that she opened her own venue to encourage the imaginations of children. She started up her business, the Creative Bug, about three years ago in Beamsville, but had been running it for roughly two years prior in Etobicoke.
“Kids don’t always get the opportunity to use their creativity. We’re so busy programming them all the time with activities and stuff,” she says. “This is just a chance for them to chill a little bit and go beyond what they might do at home.”
Creative Bug holds various workshops and activities throughout the year, such as PD day camps and themed birthday parties. And, Habgood says, there is always a mixture of projects that appeal, not only to girls, but boys as well.
“I run co-ed events and have things like science workshops where we made lava lamps. And I always like to bring in a piece from the kitchen.”
She says a lot of working parents simply do not have the time to “create that kitchen exposure for their kids, so I like doing that.”
And the reactions from the children is what Habgood loves the most.
“The cooking and baking element is important to me,” she says. “Once I said we were going to make bread, and the boys all grumbled. We started the process and then put it in the oven to do something else while we waited. When the beeper went the boys were the ones back to the table first. They were so happy to see what had happened; I like seeing their reactions. And they were just so excited to bring that loaf of bread home for dinner!”
The Creative Bug has been undergoing some extensive renovations, and Habgood will be hosting a grand re-opening event on May 14.There will be prizes, special guests and lots of activities for all.
“We are so excited. The Red Path Acts of Sweetness Team is coming. They’ll come out in their vintage truck and give out cookies. And Community Care of West Niagara plans on being here. We’re going to have lots of treats. And maybe a craft.”
And because Habgood feels creativity is a valuable, lifelong skill that should be nurtured in children, she wanted to make sure all children in the area can benefit from her programs.
“I’m working with Community Care to develop a relationship where I can share spots when I have a PD day camp, for example, with one of their young children who might benefit from it. And I’m hoping to work with them to make some birthdays special too.”
Habgood is requesting people bring donations of new, unwrapped toys to the reopening. The toys will be given to Community Care.
“It’s all about the kids,” she says. “The kids make me so happy and I’ve developed some great relationships with the children in the area.”
Creative Bug’s grand re-opening is being held on May 14 at 5059 King Street in Beamsville. For more information call 905-563-1201 or email
hhabgood@hotmail.com. Creative Bug also has a blog at heatherscreativebug.blogspot.com
Published in Niagara This Week - May 12, 2011
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news/article/1006669--beamsville-entrepreneur-provides-creative-outlet-for-kids
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