After spending time as a professional actress & puppeteer, we asked Ruth Rodgers how she went on to set up East London’s The Canvas Cafe.
I had an idea way back in 2009, that it would be great to open a venue that collected and celebrated people's opinions, and that hosted workshops and events in happiness, confidence and wellbeing. I dreamt about it for 5 years, and last year, my dream became a reality and The Canvas Cafe opened.
We are now a year old, and our first year has taught me the real meaning of two words: Perseverance and Resilience. We are a very small business - I am the owner, and there are no hidden investors, it's just me. We had to rely on word of mouth, an excellent product and exciting and interesting events to get people through the door.
We spent a long time thinking about the design of The Canvas Cafe. Everything from getting the right 'Canvas Yellow', and where that yellow would feature!
What do you think has made your business a success?
There's a magical feeling here that I'm so proud of - it's in the calm atmosphere, the friendly staff, the homemade food from local suppliers, the sense of community.