Business

Spacious new retail space and art studios in Ann Street for expanded Studio Souk

Linzi Rooney, owner of Studio Souk in Ann Street. Photo: Bill Smyth
Linzi Rooney, owner of Studio Souk in Ann Street. Photo: Bill Smyth Linzi Rooney, owner of Studio Souk in Ann Street. Photo: Bill Smyth

SILVERSMITH Linzi Rooney is a vibrant example of soldering business to the arts and engraving both on the heart of the community.

Arts, business and community have proved a happy trinity for the entrenpreneurial mother-of-two and have recently paved the path to further expansion for her award-winning brand, Studio Souk.

The Ulster University graduate, who set up her incubation studio and retail space for fellow artists in Belfast three years ago, has moved to new premises in Ann Street in the city centre, providing more breathing space for makers and buyers alike.

Set over three floors, the relocated platform for crafters is a "better fit" than the Castle Lane shop and has the additional benefit of coming with a 10-year lease.

"Ann Street is funky and urban and being just round the corner from the Cathedral Quarter, while still in the heart of the city centre, is ideal," enthuses the award-winning businesswoman.

"In the city centre, small retailers are often out-bid when it comes to premier space within the sought-after BT1 postal code area."

Having started off making bespoke jewellery from her dining room table - "much to the annoyance of my partner" - the graduate silversmith soon found her work, along with the heavy duty tools of her trade, spilling into other parts of the house and slowly taking over family living space.

"I thought, there must be other creatives out there with the same frustrations as me who could benefit from a joined-up approach to business opportunities," says the 31 year-old finalist in last year's Women in Business Awards.

"To get up in the morning, to go to a proper place of work and spend the day with like-minded people for some peer support - a sense of community - seemed a better way to do things."

And so Studio Souk was born, tentatively opening its doors in Spires Mall in 2013 to a small number of talented artists, designers and crafters who pooled resources and marketed their wares under one name - while retaining individuality within their chosen craft.

Today, Studio Souk has 120 artists on the books and 10 artists-in-residence who work directly from the spacious new premises.

"We offer a platform to sell unique items of art and craft in the shop and these range from original wall art prints to homeware, including cushions and ceramics," Linzi says.

"Studio Souk is a registered charity and operates on a non-profit basis which helps fund workshops and outreach work with the community.

"The idea is to engage with the person in the street and make the arts accessible to all, especially to Joe Bloggs who wouldn't normally go anywhere near an art gallery.

"I am a big believer that the arts should be part of daily life and be a natural, organic thing. I also think it is important to use the arts in an outreach capacity and that is why I have been involved in campaigns with the Department of Justice, supporting young offenders and teaching them transferable skills."

Linzi, who is mum to Macie (5) and Adeline (four months), also runs Jack's Coffee Bar at Belfast's Eastside Visitor Centre after partnering with Eastside Tourism to provide another shop window for artisans at the new hub on the Newtownards Road.

Having opened in August, the centre provides visitors with access to information on the city’s attractions via digital screens and a wall map revealing EastSide’s famous faces, including author C.S. Lewis who was honoured with the opening of C.S Lewis Square last week - the latest phase of the £40m Connswater Greenway regeneration project.

"It's been really busy this past number of months, but I thrive on the hustle bustle of life," Linzi adds. "My brother, David, manages the shop while I am concentrating on developing the business, so that helps take the pressure off.

"It really is a busy life, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The feedback has been great so far and, looking to the future, I would love to see more Studio Souks rolled out across Belfast, with the next stop Dublin."

For more information visit www.studiosouk.com