Meet Jennifer McGlone, a creative powerhouse running three businesses!
Meet Jennifer McGlone, a creative powerhouse running three businesses—Braw Wee Craft Club, Braw Wee Emporium, and The Creativity Consultant. With a deep passion for creativity and community, Jennifer’s businesses focus on craft workshops, celebrating Scottish creativity, and supporting cultural organisations to grow and thrive.
From humble beginnings inspired by a community arts project to opening her own creative studio, Jennifer’s journey highlights the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.
In this blog, Jennifer shares her story, the challenges she’s overcome, and her exciting plans for the future as she continues to champion creativity in all its forms.
Tell us about you!
What’s your name, and what do you do?
I’m Jennifer McGlone, and I run three businesses:
- Braw Wee Craft Club: Craft workshops based in my city centre studio, as well as in community groups and businesses.
- Braw Wee Emporium: An online Scottish gift and homeware shop.
- The Creativity Consultant: Supporting creatives and cultural organisations with funding, strategies, and business growth.
What inspired you to start your business (or choose your current role)?
Creativity has always been important to me. When I was young, a local arts project showed me I had a voice and could achieve anything I wanted. My businesses all promote creativity—whether it’s helping people discover their creative side, celebrating creativity, or supporting others in creating space for it.
Your business in a nutshell
How would you describe your business to someone who’s never heard of it before?
There are so many different parts to the businesses but it boils down to creative workshops, events, support and mentoring.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
Seeing people grow in confidence, knowledge, and having fun!
Company values and mission
What values are at the heart of your business?
Creativity, Community, Fun, Adventure.
How do these values show up in your day-to-day work?
Every day, I work within a creative community or support individuals with their creativity. The fun comes from working with people and taking risks, and the adventure is trying new things.
The personal side
What’s something surprising about you or your journey so far?
It all started with a tin whistle lesson in a community centre in Easterhouse. A Celtic Connections gig in 1995 made me realise I wanted to work in the music industry. I’m now on my 25th Celtic Connections Festival!
Who or what inspires you most in life or business?
There are so many! But Rachael Arnold, Co-Founder of Creative Entrepreneurs Club, has been a huge inspiration. Her vision, honesty, and passion for the creative industries and social enterprises are limitless.
Challenges and triumphs
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your business journey?
Opening my new studio in the city centre! Seeing people’s reactions to a space I’ve created is a high. Watching someone leave a workshop feeling confident or with clarity about their creative practice is priceless.
And what’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
Underpricing my services. For years, I was stuck in the mindset that because I loved my work, I didn’t need to charge much. Last year, I reevaluated my fees, and now I’m on the road to savings and holidays again!
The fun stuff
What’s your go-to coffee order (or tea preference)?
A flat white or a big cup of Tetley tea.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or past), who would they be and why?
Patti Smith—to hear about her New York adventures (read Just Kids!); Vivienne Westwood and Pam Hogg—they’re icons of adventure and creativity, and dinner with them would be epic!
Looking ahead
What are you most excited about for your business in the year ahead?
Expanding the craft workshops at Braw Wee Craft Club, collaborating with others, and developing my skills as a fundraiser to grow my Creativity Consultant work.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Do your sums and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Knowing your costs makes life so much easier.
Quickfire round!
Morning or evening person? Morning.
Favourite book or podcast? 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman—an insightful read about productivity. For fiction, Scabby Queen by Kirsten Innes.
Dream holiday destination? The Maldives, or anywhere with sun, white sandy beaches, and good food!
Jennifer’s journey is a shining example of how creativity, passion, and determination can lead to a thriving and fulfilling career. From her beginnings in community arts to running three successful businesses, Jennifer’s focus on creativity and community has been unwavering.
As Jennifer looks to the future, her plans to expand her craft workshops and support creative organisations show her continued commitment to making creativity accessible and celebrated.
Her advice for others? Do your sums, trust your instincts, and don’t undervalue yourself. Wise words from someone who’s made creativity their life’s work!
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